My grandmother made the best butter cream I've ever tasted. She always claimed it was given to her by the chef at the Waldorf-Astoria. We'll never know if that's true but this is a wonderful traditional flavored buttercream that virtually compliments almost any type of cake.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and starts to bubble.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature, but not cold.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the cooled milk and flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar.
Beat the mixture on a high speed until it is well combined, creamy, and holds stiff peaks.
Final Steps:
If the buttercream seems separated at first, continue beating until it comes together.
Once the buttercream is smooth and well-combined, chill it slightly before using for easier spreading.
Enjoy using this buttercream to frost cakes, cupcakes, or any other dessert that calls for a touch of sweetness and tradition.