Fred Sanders’ Butter Cream Icing
📜 Collection: John B. Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Fred Sanders | 📂 Category: Basics An authentic recipe for the famous Fred Sanders bakery buttercream icing from Detroit, Michigan. This unique frosting uses scalded milk, egg whites, and granulated sugar for an incredibly smooth, light, and fluffy texture.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 5 mins | 20 mins | 2.5 cups |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | Butter | softened |
| 1/2 cup | Vegetable shortening | Spry brand preferred |
| 3/4 cup | Milk | scalded |
| 1 | Egg white | at room temperature |
| 1 to 1 1/2 cups | Sugar | granulated |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Milk and Egg Base
- Scald the 3/4 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around the edges, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the 1 egg white until foamy and holding soft peaks.
- Slowly add the 1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar to the beaten egg white, continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Gradually add the scalded 3/4 cup milk to the egg white mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating constantly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Place this mixture in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to cool completely.
Step 2: Cream and Combine
- In a separate bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup vegetable shortening until light, fluffy, and completely free of lumps.
- Add the cooled egg white and milk mixture to the creamed butter mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to prevent curdling and ensure a silky emulsion.
- Stir in the 1 tsp vanilla extract and beat the icing until it is smooth, creamy, and holds its shape perfectly.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using to restore its fluffy texture.
Original Recipe Scan
