Cooked Frosting

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Cooked frosting offers a rich, creamy topping with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. Its warm, velvety texture makes it perfect for spreading on cakes and cupcakes. Suitable for those who enjoy homemade, classic frostings with a comforting, nostalgic appeal.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1/2 c. milk
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. shortening

Instructions

  1. Cook the flour, milk, and salt until thick.
  2. Cool the mixture.
  3. Add sugar and shortening; beat until smooth.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, make sure to whisk the flour, milk, and salt thoroughly while cooking. If you want a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the shortening with butter for a more traditional taste. This cooked frosting can be used for cakes or cookies like the 'Southern Living' Bar Cookie.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting is perfect for topping cakes, especially vanilla or chocolate varieties. It pairs beautifully with Monkey Bars or can be used to enhance a simple Sad Cake. For a delightful twist, try it between layers of a Harvest Cake or as a dip for fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it sit at room temperature to soften, or gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring until smooth. Avoid overheating, as it can alter the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cooked Frosting contains roughly 398 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

398 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 33.3g 43% DV
Carbs 23.9g 9% DV
Fiber 0.5g 2% DV
Sugar 13.8g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1840.5mg 80% DV
Potassium 95.8mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 1.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.4mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 126mg 10% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
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 use this frosting on cupcakes?

Yes, this cooked frosting works wonderfully on cupcakes! Just be sure to let it cool completely before applying to avoid melting the cupcake. Its creamy texture adds a nice contrast to the lightness of cupcakes.

How do I adjust the sweetness level?

To adjust the sweetness, start by adding less sugar than the recipe calls for, then taste the mixture before beating it smooth. You can always add more sugar gradually until you reach your desired sweetness.

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this frosting a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir or a gentle reheat to restore its smooth consistency.

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 →