It is a birthday week around here! My husband and oldest son share a birthday [yes, the exact same day!], so we spread the celebrations out. Big W request a simply yellow cake with vanilla frosting for his party with his friends. I vowed, after making a chocolate cake from scratch, never to do it again! Why go through all that trouble when there is a perfectly good mix in a box? Instead, I would spend extra time on homemade frosting and the decorating.
I realized quickly into the decorating process that replicating this cake was going to be harder than I thought. A LOT, harder in fact! Knowing that nine and ten year old boys weren’t even going to notice a perfectly designed cake, I made a quick adjustment and just frosted it simply.
While it wasn’t the most beautiful creation, the frosting itself was divine! I kid you not! If you are making a cake or cupcakes in the near future, you must give it a try. This recipe from Magnolia Bakery is worth the splurge in calories. It is easy to make with four simple ingredients. It will not disappoint!
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
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1/2 cup milk
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extractIn the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, 4 cups sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating for about 2 minutes after each addition, until icing reaches desired consistency; you may not need to add all the sugar. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
