Cream Coconut Icing

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Cream Coconut Icing is a sweet, coconut-flavored frosting perfect for cakes and pastries. Its rich, buttery taste is complemented by lemon zest and a light, fluffy texture, making it ideal for those who love tropical-inspired treats or want a decorative, flavorful topping for special desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • dash of salt
  • grated rind of 1/4 lemon or orange
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter until soft.
  2. Add powdered sugar alternately with lemon juice and beat until smooth and light.
  3. Add a dash of salt.
  4. Stir in grated rind of lemon or orange.
  5. Spread on the top and sides of the cake and sprinkle with coconut.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother icing, sift the powdered sugar before mixing. If you prefer a dairy-free option, replace the butter with coconut oil. You can also experiment with different citrus rinds; lime or orange can provide a unique flavor twist. Ensure the coconut is unsweetened for a more natural taste. This icing pairs beautifully with Chocolate Applesauce Cake for a delightful contrast.

Serving Suggestions

This Cream Coconut Icing is perfect for topping cakes, especially sponge or vanilla varieties. It also works wonderfully on cupcakes or as a filling between layers. For an elegant presentation, sprinkle additional coconut on top and serve alongside a fresh Blackberry Salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, stirring until smooth. If it thickens too much, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice to loosen it.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cream Coconut Icing contains roughly 595 calories, with 16g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1968mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).

595 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16g 32% DV
Total Fat 15.3g 20% DV
Carbs 97.8g 36% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 45.7g 91% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1968.3mg 86% DV
Potassium 187.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 335.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 5.6mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 5% DV
Calcium 72.7mg 6% DV
Iron 5.4mg 30% DV
Diet fit 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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this icing a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and before using, allow it to come to room temperature. If it hardens, stir in a little lemon juice or a small amount of butter to regain the desired consistency.

What can I substitute for coconut if I don’t have any?

If you don't have coconut, you can use finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a different texture and flavor. Alternatively, consider using crushed graham crackers for a unique twist, mimicking a coconut crust in flavor.

How can I make this icing less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the icing, you can add more lemon juice to balance the flavors. You might also consider decreasing the amount of powdered sugar slightly, but be aware that this may affect the icing's thickness and spreadability.

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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