Best Icing
This rich, fluffy icing combines sugar, fats, and milk to create a smooth, sweet topping perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Its creamy texture and vanilla flavor make it a versatile choice for a variety of baked goods, appealing to both home bakers and dessert enthusiasts seeking a classic finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar, oleo, and crisco together.
- Add salt and vanilla.
- Gradually add chilled can milk and flour.
- Beat on high speed for 12 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother icing, ensure your Crisco and oleo are at room temperature before creaming. If you prefer a lighter flavor, consider substituting half the sugar with powdered sugar. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist. This icing pairs beautifully with Fresh Peach Pound Cake for a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This icing is perfect for frosting cakes or cupcakes. Consider using it on a rich chocolate cake or pairing it with Brown Sugar Cake With Maple Flavor for a delicious contrast. It can also be drizzled over cookies for a sweet touch or used as a filling between layers of dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften, then re-whip briefly to restore its fluffy texture. Avoid freezing, as this may alter the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Icing contains roughly 610 calories, with 9g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2132mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of oleo?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for oleo, but be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly. Use a stick margarine for the best results, and make sure it's softened to cream well with the sugar and Crisco.
How can I make this icing less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the icing, you can decrease the sugar by 1/4 cup and add an extra tablespoon of flour to maintain the consistency. You can also incorporate a bit of cream cheese for tanginess, which balances the sweetness.
Is it possible to add color to this icing?
Absolutely! You can use gel food coloring to tint the icing. Start with a small amount and mix it thoroughly until you achieve your desired color. This is especially fun for decorating cakes for birthdays or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).