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The frosting's success hinges on room temperature ingredients—cold butter results in stiff, lumpy frosting. Beat room temp butter until smooth, then slowly incorporate powdered sugar—using a 1:1 ratio for a fluffy, not overly sweet frosting. Finish with milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Pro Tip: Wrapping a warm towel around the frosting bowl can soften butter without melting it, facilitating smoother whipping.
Assembling and Decorating
Use a turntable or a steady hand to evenly frost the cake. Start with a small dollop of frosting on the base to prevent slipping. For a simple look, opt for a semi-naked style: apply a thin layer of frosting and smooth with a bench scraper or offset spatula, then chill for 30 minutes before adding a thicker coating.