Favorite Icing

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, smooth vanilla frosting with homemade milk and flour base, perfect for cakes and cookies, ideal for those who enjoy rich, nostalgic flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. milk
  • 5 Tbsp. flour
  • 1/2 c. oleo, softened
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine the milk and flour in a saucepan.
  2. Cook until thick. Cover and refrigerate.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, beat oleo, shortening, sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
  4. Add chilled milk/flour mixture and beat for 10 minutes.
  5. Frost cooled cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using a combination of butter and margarine instead of 100% oleo. If you're out of shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of coconut oil for a unique flavor. Ensure the milk and flour mixture is completely chilled before adding it to the other ingredients to achieve the best consistency. Keep in mind that this icing works well on cakes, cookies, and even brownies.

Serving Suggestions

This icing pairs beautifully with a classic vanilla or chocolate cake, enhancing the overall flavor. For a fun twist, try it on cupcakes or brownies. You can also drizzle it over pound cake or use it to frost cookies for a delightful treat. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip for a few minutes to restore its creamy texture. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up before using.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Favorite Icing contains roughly 593 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value).

593 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 30.8g 39% DV
Carbs 54.9g 20% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 9.6mg
Potassium 158.1mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 7mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 21.9mg 2% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
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 almond milk instead of regular milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk for regular milk to make this icing dairy-free. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly altered, but it will still work well. Ensure that the almond milk is unsweetened to maintain the balance of sweetness in the icing.

How can I make this icing more chocolatey?

To give the icing a rich chocolate flavor, simply sift in cocoa powder after beating the milk and flour mixture. Start with about 1/4 cup and adjust according to your taste. You may need to add a bit more sugar to balance the bitterness of the cocoa.

Is it possible to make this icing vegan?

Absolutely! To make this icing vegan, substitute oleo with a vegan butter alternative and replace shortening with coconut oil. Use plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, and ensure that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free frosting.

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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