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Planet Neptune Cake
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Easy Vanilla Buttercream

Makes 3 cups of icing, enough for 1 layer of cake. Double the recipe for 2 layer cake.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 3 cups
Author: America's Test Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream / or milk
  • ⅛ tablespoons table salt
  • 2½ cups confectioners’ sugar 10 ounces
  • 20 tablespoons 2½ sticks unsalted butter, softened<BR>
  • DOUBLE RECIPE FOR TWO-LAYER CAKE!

Instructions

  • Using whisk attachment in a stand mixer, beat butter on medium high until smooth (20 seconds).
  • Add sugar and salt, and slowly increase speed to medium-low. After 45 seconds most of the sugar should be moistened.
  • Scrape the sides of the bowl down, and mix again for 15 seconds.
  • Scrape the sides of the bowl down, and add vanilla and heavy cream. Beat at medium speed until incorporated, about 10 seconds. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes). Scrape the bowl down once or twice.