Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 6 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a heavy saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil; cook over medium-high heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add a small amount of hot mixture to egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Cook 2 minutes longer or until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature.
2. In a mixing bowl with the whisk attachment, cream butter until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually beat in cooked sugar mixture. Beat in confectioners' sugar until fluffy, about 5 minutes. If necessary, refrigerate until frosting reaches spreading consistency. Store in the refrigerator.