Currant Nut Icing
A rich and creamy icing with a delightful combination of currants and nuts, perfect for frosting cakes or pastries for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Plump currants by soaking in 1/4 cup hot water for 5 minutes. Drain well.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the confectioners sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla until the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and drained currants.
- Use immediately to frost cakes or store in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother icing, ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for the nuts, and if you don't have currants, raisins work well too. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. This icing pairs beautifully with White (Light) Fruit Cake for a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This Currant Nut Icing is perfect for frosting cakes, particularly a rich chocolate cake or a spiced carrot cake. It also makes a great dip for fresh fruit or as a spread on breakfast pastries. Try it with Rusyn Crepes(Palachinki) for a delightful twist on traditional toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften, then re-whip it slightly for a creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Currant Nut Icing contains roughly 1117 calories, with 3g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron.
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 up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using to restore its creamy consistency.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
While confectioners sugar is recommended for its smooth texture, you could use granulated sugar if blended finely in a food processor. However, this may result in a grainier icing. Stick with confectioners sugar for the best results.
Is this icing suitable for vegan diets?
This recipe contains cream cheese and butter, which are not vegan. For a vegan alternative, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter. Also, ensure your confectioners sugar is free of bone char, which is sometimes used in processing.
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).