====== Buttercream for Writing / Flowers ====== 

Tags: [[dessert]] - [[buttercream]] - [[vegetarian]] - [[Gluten Free|GF]] - [[GF Vegetarian]] - \\ [[GF buttercream]] - [[GF dessert]]\\ 
Active Time: 30 minutes\\ 
Passive Time: N/A \\ 
Serves: N/A \\

====Description====
Stiffer American buttercream that works well for piping decorations like flowers, or for writing on cakes


====Ingredients====
  *Butter: 456 g, unsalted, room temperature (~4 sticks) \\ \\ 
  *Whipping cream: 1/4 cup
  *Salt: 1 tsp
  *Cornstarch: 1/4 cup \\ \\ 
  *Confectioner's sugar: 1 kg \\ \\ 
  *Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  *Almond extract: 1/4 tsp

====Notes====
  *Don't use this to frost an entire cake - it's extremely stiff and sweet
  *Use clear vanilla extract if super concerned about color. I've used regular brown vanilla and it's been fine

====Instructions====
  -Place butter in mixing bowl with paddle attachment and mix until creamy, ~30 sec to 1 minute
  -Add cream, salt, and cornstarch. Mix slowly to incorporate. Make sure there are no lumps
  -Scrape down sides and bottom, then add powdered sugar in two batches
  -When all combined, scrape sides and bottom again. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Mix for 2 minutes and check to make sure it's not too stiff or gritty. Add extra cream or milk as necessary to adjust consistency
  -Add food coloring if desired. Use a high quality food coloring, preferably a gel so as to not add too much water to the buttercream
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