- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 cups confectioners' sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Beat shortening and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, about 3 minutes; stir in vanilla extract. Beat sugar, one cup at a time, into butter mixture on medium speed. Add milk and beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
- Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to decorate. For best results, keep icing refrigerated when not using.