I am making a Spongebob Cupcake Cake for my Nephew's 2nd birthday....... Recommendations on making my own frosting (which I have never done) so simple recipes are WELCOME! Or using store brought frosting. I have heard through the grapvine that making your own frosting is better. Truth to this: Yay or Nay? I will be doing a test run this weekend on the frosting and putting the cake together. )

Ash

I really prefer the Wilton Extra Special Buttercream recipe to any ready-made icings I've tried. It's light, fluffy, not overly sweet, crust lightly, easy to smooth, takes color well (if it's not all butter), etc.

I've been using it for years. I use more hi ratio shortening in hot weather, more butter in the winter months and I always use popcorn salt.

I got the recipe years ago and no mention was made then of refrigeration. There's so much sugar & fat in it, acting as preservatives, that I have no trouble with it being left at room temp for up to 5 days.............but things never last that long.

HTH
Rae