Preparation time: 5 minutes

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• Vanilla–Powdered Sugar Frosting

This is the classic vanilla frosting, perfect for anything you like—cakes, cupcakes, muffins. If you want a drizzling consistency, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach the stage you want. This recipe makes enough frosting to generously frost 4 cupcakes or 2 mini-cakes. The corn syrup adds a lovely sheen, but is optional.

Makes ¾ cup (12 tablespoons)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/32 teaspoon (smidgen) salt
• 1 tablespoon canola oil, or slightly cooled melted unsalted butter or buttery spread
• 1 tablespoon water, or more as needed
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon corn syrup (optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and salt. With an electric mixer on low speed, beat in the oil, water, vanilla, and corn syrup (if using) until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too stiff to spread, beat in more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable. Use immediately.

Per tablespoon: 50 calories; 0g protein; 1g total fat; 0g fiber; 10g carbohydrates; 0mg cholesterol; 11mg sodium