The BEST buttercream that I have ever tasted!

This is an amazing buttercream frosting recipe.  Unlike most buttercream frosting recipes, this calls for caster sugar instead of icing sugar - I discovered it one day when I realised that I didn't have any icing sugar in the house!  I was a bit worried at first, I thought it might be crunchy because of the caster sugar and I had no idea how it would taste with the flour... but it is gorgeous!  It is so creamy that you would think it actually has cream in it and it comes out so smooth.  It is great for almost any cake out there.  

• I have used it on victoria sponges and cupcakes.  It is a lot more subtle than the usual buttercream.

  
  

  
  

  It takes a bit longer than the usual butter and sugar buttercream, but it is well worth it.  Today I have made some chocolate buttercream.  All I did was add melted chocolate to the flour and milk mixture before it was totally cooled.  I blended it together and then when it had cooled I added the sugar and butter as usual.... and oh my goodness it is divine! Soooo creamy!

  
  
  

  
  

  
  Anyway, here are the basic ingredients and instructions:
  

  
  Ingredients:

  
  

  • 225g butter, softened
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 4 tablespoons plain flour
  • 250ml milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  (I always use extract because it gives a better and richer flavour, but if you only have essence or flavouring then that will be ok)
  • 1.

    In small saucepan cook the flour and milk until it goes firm and comes away from the sides easily.  Do this on a medium heat and make sure you stir it constantly, I use a small whisk. Cool to room temperature.
    2.

    Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer, until fluffy.
    3.

    When the flour and milk mixture is cooled add it to the butter and sugar and beat both mixtures together on a high speed until fluffy and smooth. Add the vanilla and beat until combined.  Refrigerate for about 1/2 hour, until it is of spreading consistency.

    
    

    Happy Baking!  :)