Can I make buttercream icing without vanilla extract?

[VivaLeBeaver]

as I've run out? It's just for cupcakes. Would they be no good without some flavouring. I've got raspberry flavouring, could I use that in icing instead? Don't mind trying a raspberry flavour cupcake.

Yes. It will taste of butter and sugar. Mmm.

I've never added vanilla extract to my butter icing and always get lovely compliments so yes of course you can although the raspberry idea sounds a good one too.

Thanks, might try half with the raspberry and half plain then.

I've seen how to do rainbow swirl icing on top of cupcakes and I'm desperate to try it out.