Flour Icing

Prep: 75 min Cuisine: American

Creamy flour icing with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for cakes and cookies. Smooth, sweet, and versatile, it suits bakers seeking a classic homemade frosting.

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Ingredients

  • 5 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 c. Crisco or other shortening
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cook flour and milk together until thick paste forms.
  2. Refrigerate the paste for 1 hour.
  3. Beat shortening, vanilla, and sugar until creamy.
  4. Mix the cooled flour paste with the creamed mixture.
  5. Whip until the icing becomes thick and smooth.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a smoother icing, ensure the flour and milk mixture is completely cool before combining it with the creamed shortening. If you want a lighter flavor, consider using half butter and half shortening instead of all shortening. For a hint of chocolate, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the icing. This icing pairs beautifully with Texas Sheet Cake And Frosting.

Serving Suggestions

This flour icing is perfect for spreading on cakes, especially layered desserts like Harvard Beet Spice Cake or other American recipes. Consider serving it atop vanilla cupcakes or alongside Delicious Cookies for a delightful treat. It can also be used to frost brownies for an extra layer of sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before reusing, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its creamy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can alter the consistency; instead, let it sit out for a bit to soften.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Flour Icing contains roughly 657 calories, with 11g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.

657 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.5g 21% DV
Total Fat 7.3g 9% DV
Carbs 101g 37% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 35.3g 71% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 199.7mg 9% DV
Potassium 351.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 3.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 112.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 16.1mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 266.1mg 20% DV
Iron 6.6mg 36% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture slightly. The icing might be a bit denser, so ensure to mix it well to achieve the desired consistency.

How can I make this icing less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the icing, you can decrease the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup and increase the amount of vanilla to enhance flavor without adding more sweetness. Additionally, using unsweetened cocoa powder can balance the sweetness if desired.

Can I flavor the icing with something other than vanilla?

Absolutely! You can use almond extract, coconut extract, or even citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Just be cautious with the quantity, as some extracts are stronger than vanilla, so start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.

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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