This is not the type of frosting you want to use for purposes but perfect for a rusting looking cake. This frosting is also great to use for crumb coat frosting as well. The salt is used to enhance the flavor of the vanilla. (Please note in the photo the top of the cake is dusted with cocoa powder.)
You’ll need
4 1/4 - 5 cups confectioner sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 sticks unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, only use if you do not like a super sweet icing, this will help cut the sweetness of the frosting. You can also dust the top of the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder to help cut the sweetness)
1. In your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment combine 4 1/4 cups of the sugar, salt and 2 sticks of butter, off set the bowl holding it to prevent the bowl from moving around. Once the butter and sugar begins to come to together, put the bowl on the mixer correct and whip on high speed for 5 minutes.
2. Add the vailla extract, beat on high for 2 minutes.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of milk and beat for 2 minutes. If you find that your frosting is too runny, add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and mix on high for 2 minutes. The forsting should be shiny, light and not too runny.
4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover, set in the fridge for 30 min. Now the frosting is ready to use.