French Pastry Icing
A smooth, sweet French pastry icing with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for decorating or filling pastries, suiting both home bakers and professional pastry chefs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the cornstarch and milk together until thickened.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Place all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and beat at high speed for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the milk before cooking to avoid lumps. If you don't have oleo or Crisco, you can use unsalted butter as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor. For a richer taste, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder if you want a chocolate variation. This icing is versatile and can enhance desserts like the Almond Tart.
Serving Suggestions
This French Pastry Icing is perfect for drizzling over cakes, pastries, or cookies. It pairs beautifully with Barbara's German Apple Cake or can be used to frost cupcakes. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
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 give it a good stir or rebeat for a smooth texture. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Pastry Icing contains roughly 468 calories, with 4g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 682mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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 and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before using, and beat it again to restore its texture.
What can I do if my icing is too thick?
If your icing turns out too thick, gradually add a little milk while mixing until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once, as it can quickly become too runny.
Is there a way to flavor the icing?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor of the icing by adding extracts such as almond, lemon, or coconut. A few drops of food coloring can also be added for a decorative touch if desired.
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).