Continental Frosting

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A rich, creamy frosting with a smooth vanilla flavor, perfect for angel cakes, chiffon, or any light sponge. Its velvety texture and subtle sweetness make it an ideal topping or filling, especially when enhanced with crushed pineapple for added tropical flair and moisture.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cook milk and flour until thick; then remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Cream the sugar and butter with a mixer until fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the cooled flour and milk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar.
  4. Beat the mixture for another 4 to 5 minutes until smooth.
  5. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  6. Keep the cake cool after frosting and refrigerate.
  7. Optionally, add crushed pieces of pineapple and a little flavoring for extra taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter frosting, consider using half butter and half cream cheese. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought frosting instead, but homemade offers a richer flavor. Make sure the milk and flour mixture cools completely before adding it to the creamed butter and sugar to avoid melting the butter. This frosting pairs beautifully with Parker'S Favorite Pecan Pie.

Serving Suggestions

This Continental Frosting is perfect for cakes and cupcakes. For an extra touch, consider adding crushed pieces of pineapple for added flavor. It pairs well with a variety of cakes, including vanilla, chocolate, or even carrot cake. For a complete dessert experience, serve alongside a slice of Easy Chocolate Fudge or some American recipes that feature fresh fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before spreading. If the frosting is too thick, you can beat in a small amount of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Continental Frosting contains roughly 566 calories, with 11g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

566 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.3g 23% DV
Total Fat 8.6g 11% DV
Carbs 104.6g 38% DV
Fiber 4.5g 16% DV
Sugar 29.2g 58% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 199mg 9% DV
Potassium 381.5mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 7.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 112.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 31mg 34% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 270.6mg 21% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this frosting a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir or beat it again to restore its texture.

What can I use instead of butter?

If you're looking for a substitute for butter, you can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, so choose a substitute that complements your cake.

How do I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?

To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but be cautious as it may affect the texture. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness or mix in some unsweetened cocoa powder if you're using it on chocolate desserts.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →