Cake Decorating Vanilla Icing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A smooth and creamy vanilla icing perfect for cakes and decorating, offering a sweet, vanilla flavor that complements any celebration or dessert presentation.

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Ingredients

  • 2 boxes 10x powdered sugar
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup Crisco
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together until creamy and smooth.
  2. May add a little extra milk if necessary.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother icing, sift the powdered sugar before mixing. If you prefer a less sweet icing, consider reducing the sugar or using half granulated sugar and half powdered sugar. You can also substitute butter for Crisco for a richer flavor. Adjust the evaporated milk for desired consistency; a bit more can help if the icing is too thick. This icing can be tinted with food coloring for festive occasions.

Serving Suggestions

This vanilla icing is perfect for cakes like the Upside-Down Rubble Bubble Cake or cupcakes. It can also be used to frost cookies or as a filling between cake layers. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with Crunchy Chocolate Squares for a delightful dessert platter. Garnish with sprinkles or edible glitter for added visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its creamy texture. If the icing thickens, you can add a little evaporated milk to achieve the desired consistency. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or heat to maintain freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cake Decorating Vanilla Icing contains roughly 379 calories, with 0g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

379 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 66.4g 24% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 65.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 491.2mg 21% DV
Potassium 76.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 7.7mg 1% DV
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 make this icing in advance?

Yes, you can make the icing ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and re-whip if necessary to achieve the right consistency.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the icing?

To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute a portion of it with unsweetened cocoa powder if you want a chocolate flavor. Adding a pinch of lemon juice can also help balance the sweetness.

Can I use this icing for decorating?

Absolutely! This vanilla icing is great for decorating cakes and cupcakes. For detailed designs, ensure the icing is slightly thicker by reducing the evaporated milk. You can also pipe it using different nozzles for various effects.

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).

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