Picture Perfect Cooking

When I found this recipe, I thought it looked familiar and then I realized why.  If you have ever made a Twinkie cake, this frosting is very similar to the filling.  In fact, it may be the very same thing.  This is a great frosting for “beginning decorators” kind of like myself.  I can bake, but decorating cakes and cupcakes has never been my strong suit.  My skills are improving a little and I think having the right piping tips helps as well.  As you will see below, I listed the exact tips I used and the results I got.  I will tell you my favorite at the bottom.

I found this version of frosting/filling at Our Best Bites.  Their site is full of delicious looking food and other cute projects, so please check it out.

3 tbsp flour

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup real butter, room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Whisk together the flour and milk.  Heat in a small sauce pan on medium heat. Whisk continuously until it starts to thicken.  Let is cook, while stirring, until it looks like pudding.  You should be able to see the bottom of the pan when you stir it.  Push the thick mixture through a mesh strainer to smooth then cool completely to room temperature.  It has to be completely cooled to mix with the next ingredients.

In an electric stand mixer using the whisk attachment, beat the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes until well combined and fluffy.  Add the thickened and cooled milk mixture and the vanilla.  Beat on the highest speed for 7 minutes.  Yep, that’s right, 7 whole minutes!  I know that sounds like a lot, but it takes that long for this frosting to come together.  If after 7 minutes, the texture is not right, keep beating it.  It will eventually combine for a smooth and creamy frosting.

Here are the different icing tips I used and the results from them.

And here is one I messed up, so I just had to be the hero and get rid of it! Hee, hee!

My favorite tip, by far, is the 2D which is the first one shown. My next favorite is the 1M, which is the last one shown.  The second one is ok, but I didn’t like the texture as well.  I love the ruffles that the first tip creates!