My Favorite Buttercream Frosting

So last week was my birthday. And despite what many may think, I really am a very simple woman. When asked by my husband what I wanted for my birthday meal, I said, "Brie, cupcakes and champagne."

Don't you love it when wishes come true?

Now before you drool too much over that baked brie, that's a recipe for next week.

This week I'm focused on cupcakes. The best part of the cupcakes, that is. 

After sharing my love of cupcakes so many times, I can't believe I have not shared my recipe for buttercream frosting. The best tasting buttercream I've ever had.

Amazing that such deliciousness could come from only a few ingredients:

1 1/2 cups softened butter, salted or unsalted

4 cups sifted powdered sugar (yes, you must sift it)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Milk

First, cream your butter.

Until fluffy.

Add the vanilla and mix until blended.

Now, with your mixer on low (otherwise you'll have one huge, powdery mess), gradually add the powdered sugar.

Once all of the sugar is incorporated, mix at high speed until light and fluffy.

Add milk until frosting reaches desired consistency. If you're piping the frosting, you'll want it stiffer (less milk). If you're spreading, thinner (more milk).

If you'd like to add a little coloring, do that now.

Yep, I forced my guys to eat pink cupcakes. Not that I heard any complaints.

You can see/learn how to do the "fancy" piping here.

Easy, peasy.

So what do you want for your birthday meal?