Color your cupcakes (White Buttercream Frosting)

Last weekend we celebrated two of our grands birthdays.

The theme was to create color.

Here is an idea that the kids loved and can easily be created when you use either a cake mix or your favorite white cake.

  I'm going to share the frosting recipe here.  I've used this frosting for years to decorate squares and cakes and it's delicious and creamy. It is not too sweet and mimics true buttercream beautifully.
This frosting that will stay moist so that the artist can easily decorate their little cakes.  I used a flower shape tip to create the curly ribbon effect.

• 1 3/4 cups whole milk
• 7 tablespoons flour
• dash salt
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1. Combine the flour, salt and about 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan and whisk it until there are no more flour lumps.  Whisk in the remaining milk .  Bring to a boil over medium heat and then simmer for several minutes so that all the flour is cooked.
2. Remove from heat and place plastic wrap on the surface cool until room temperature.  Be sure it has no hint of warmth left since it will make a greasy texture to the frosting once you add the butter.
3. Use a stand mixer if possible or a hand mixer, beat together room temperature butter and sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Add the cooled flour and milk mixture and vanilla.  Beat the frosting until light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream. 
4. The frosting can be kept at room temperature for several hours or made ahead and refrigerated.  Before frosting your cakes, allow to come to room temperature and beat briefly to make smooth again.  
5. This frosting is best served at room temperature. 

Julie has offered instructions to make this frosting GLUTEN FREE.  Substitute the flour for a flour mix of 1 part sweet rice flour and 3 parts cornstarch - you might have to adjust the 7 tbsp. of flour (probably need a little less)  

Makes enough to generously frost 3 dozen cupcakes.

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