Easy Orange Buttercream

[kirra]

Easy Orange Buttercream

Ingredients:

1/2 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter softened
4 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk, optional

Preparation:

Place the orange juice into a small saucepan. Boil over medium high heat and cook until reduced to 1/3 cup and slightly thickened. Add the orange zest and set aside. Cool completely before using.

Beat the butter in a bowl fitted with the paddle until smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Scrape the bowl. Add the confectioner's sugar, orange juice and extract, if using. Beat on low speed until the mixture is moistened. Scrape the bowl. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the cream if using. Yield: 4 cups.