Another baking success

[spacebabie]

I just baked my first cupcakes

and made my own frosting. Note to self, add just a bit more butter and use a little bit of cornstarch to thicken it, even if the recipe doesn't list it.

Comments

[sydneyrodriguez.livejournal.com]

What recipe are you using?

[spacebabie.livejournal.com]

It was something on the internet that used butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and cocoa.

[sydneyrodriguez.livejournal.com]

As weird as this sounds, try adding a little milk (like a tablespoon). Recipes involving mostly powdered sugar are actually weird about what really thickens them. Adding a little milk, butter, or cream cheese will generally thicken, rather than thin frosting or frosting-like things.

Also, there's an awesome recipe on the Nestle cocoa container for frosting. It's not quite as thick as the stuff you get premade in the containers, but it's one of the thicker frostings I've seen.

[spacebabie.livejournal.com]

I did use just a bit of milk to make it more of a milk chocolate frosting.

I wonder if it's because I used margarine instead of butter, and I use that because I don't have a mixer and it's easier to stir.

[sydneyrodriguez.livejournal.com]

That could be it. Margarine is quite a bit different from real butter (vegetable oils and such vs cream and salt). It often helps to toss the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds on power level 3. It's just enough to soften it (though it does melt it a little bit). Make sure to watch it like a hawk and get it out as soon as you see it start to liquefy (you don't want it liquid going in).