How to make simple icing for cake

Table of Contents Show

• Why You'll Love This Frosting Recipe
• How To Make Basic Vanilla Cake Frosting
• How To Make The Best Dessert Frosting
• Recipe Variations
• How Far In Advance Can You Make Frosting?
• What Is Ganache?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Frosting Conclusion
• Basic Vanilla Cake Frosting
• What type of frosting icing is the simplest?
• What can I use if I don't have icing?

• Yield: about 1 pound (enough for 12 cupcakes)
• Nutrition InfoNutritional AnalysisPer ServingServing Size1 of 8 servingsCalories283Total Fat12 gSaturated Fat7 gCarbohydrates45 gDietary Fiber0 gSugar44 gProtein0 gCholesterol31 mgSodium6 mg

• Yield: about 1 pound (enough for 12 cupcakes)
• Nutrition InfoNutritional AnalysisPer ServingServing Size1 of 8 servingsCalories283Total Fat12 gSaturated Fat7 gCarbohydrates45 gDietary Fiber0 gSugar44 gProtein0 gCholesterol31 mgSodium6 mg

1. In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the butter until light and smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

You're only three ingredients and one step away from the best powdered sugar icing you’ve ever had. It’s a bold claim but we stand behind it. The silky texture and sweet but subtle vanilla flavor of this icing is a major upgrade for cinnamon rolls, waffles and baked desserts, to name a few. We’ve even heard this icing is pretty darn good all on its own. Needless to say, we won’t judge you for eating it right out of the bowl.

We have used this basic icing recipe on nearly all our cakes, biscuits, and slices.  It is so versatile and easy to make that we are sure it’s going to be your go-to-icing recipe as well.

Chocolate Icing
Leave out 20 g icing sugar and replace with 20 g raw cacao.

Citrus Icing
Use 2 tbsp. lemon or orange juice instead of milk or water.

Jaffa Icing
Leave out 20 g icing sugar and replace with 20 g raw cacao and add 2 tbsp orange juice instead of milk or water.

Vanilla Icing
Add 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste.

If you would like to colour your icing, be sure to use all-natural food colours.

By Additive-Free Lifestyle

February 20, 2018

• Categorized: Biscuits, Cakes + Cupcakes + Muffins, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Slices, Thermal Machine, Under 30 Minutes, Vegetarian

  In need of a classic cake frosting? This simple 4-ingredient recipe is my go-to vanilla frosting recipe for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.

  

  You should know how to make a super simple homemade cake frosting. There’s no point in relying on shelf-stable canned frosting as cake frosting is easy to make and tastes better. My mother taught me how to make this frosting recipe when I was a child.

  Why You'll Love This Frosting Recipe

  The frosting recipe only requires four ingredients. You probably have them in your kitchen and you don’t know it. It's my go-to recipe for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. What makes this homemade frosting my favorite is how it balances sweet and buttery flavors without being overbearing in the dairy department.

  

  How To Make Basic Vanilla Cake Frosting

  1. Combine butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a standard mixer or large bowl with a hand mixer until it’s smooth and doesn’t have any lumps.
  2. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach spreading consistency.
  3. Use immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.
  

  How To Make The Best Dessert Frosting

  • Use softened, room temperature butter. It should be soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed with one finger but not so soft that it's greasy or slick.
  • To soften butter quickly, cut into quarters and microwave on the defrost setting for 5-20 seconds.
  • I love vanilla bean paste for the best vanilla flavor.
  • If you're using unsalted butter add ¼ teaspoon salt.
  • Cream or half and half can be used in place of milk. 
  • Frosting should be spread at room temperature. If you're making it in advance, let it thaw to room temperature before using.

  Recipe Variations

  • Add 1 teaspoon of other flavorings, such as almond, peppermint, or orange extract.
  • For chocolate frosting, replace ¼ to ½ cup of the powdered sugar with cocoa powder.
  

  How Far In Advance Can You Make Frosting?

  Frosting can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for three days. If you have freezer storage, you can make frosting three months in advance.

  What Is Ganache?

  Ganache is a type of frosting. It’s not a dessert frosting in the traditional sense. A dessert ganache is like aluminum siding for a mobile home. It’s a hard coating that protects and holds a pie or cake together.  

  There are three types of ganaches: 

  • White chocolate
  • Milk chocolate
  • Dark chocolate

  A chocolate ganache for ice cream cake is common. Ice cream melts when not kept in cool temperatures. When you apply a ganache, it holds the ice cream cake together. The ganache coating protects the cake by preserving the cold temperature generated from the ice cream.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  What Happens When Buttercream Cake Frosting Spoils?

  A cake with spoiled buttercream frosting will turn green at the base. The frosting will become thin and to the point where it’s watery. The cake will give off a bad odor and have a sour taste. A thick cream can also form over the top.

  What Ingredients Are Dog-Safe Frosting?

  Peanut butter is a common ingredient for dog-safe frosting. However, make sure the brand is xylitol-free. Xylitol is toxic and could trigger an allergic reaction.

  Why Is Sorbic Acid Used In Cake Frosting?

  Sorbic acid is a preservative used in flour-based candy and sweets. The acid prevents bacteria and mold growth. Potential risks come with sorbic acid. If inhaled, it can cause toxic reactions. For example, anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that causes shock and symptoms like rash, nausea, and vomiting.

  Frosting Conclusion

  A cake is only as good as its frosting. When your frosting doesn’t live up to your cake’s expectations, it’s like a bad paint job on a nice home. Making your own frosting is the best way to ensure your cake will taste great.

  Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

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  Basic Vanilla Cake Frosting

  

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  5 from 8 reviews

  Looking for an easy, classic cake frosting? This simple 4-ingredient recipes is my go-to vanilla frosting recipe for cakes, cupcakes, and more!

  What type of frosting icing is the simplest?

  Buttercream is the simplest kind of frosting and the first lesson of Frosting 101. It can be modified of course to add flavorings like Vanilla, Chocolate or Lemon. 2. Whipped Cream Frosting - Whipped Cream, as the name suggests is made from whipping the heavy cream with powdered sugar till it is holding its peaks.

  What can I use if I don't have icing?

  6 Quick Ways to Decorate a Cake Without Frosting.

  Whipped Cream. Looks like frosting, but it's not. ... .

  Glaze. When it comes to Bundt cakes, glaze (or even caramel sauce) is a much better choice then frosting. ... .

  Powdered Sugar. ... .

  Chocolate or Caramel Sauce. ... .

  Fresh Fruit. ... .

  Syrups + Edible Flowers..