Icing For Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, versatile icing perfect for cakes, with rich vanilla flavor and smooth texture, ideal for celebration desserts or everyday treats.

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Ingredients

  • 5 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1/2 c. solid shortening
  • 1/2 c. butter or margarine
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Mix flour with milk and cook until thick.
  2. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat solid shortening, butter or margarine, sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the cooled flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat until fluffy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese. If you're looking for a lighter version, use a plant-based shortening and margarine. Ensure the flour mixture is completely cool before mixing with the creamed ingredients to prevent melting. This icing pairs beautifully with Betty's Fruit Cocktail Cake, adding a delightful touch.

Serving Suggestions

This icing is perfect for layering on cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies. For an elegant touch, pipe it onto a cake using a decorative tip. It complements flavors like chocolate or vanilla, and can also be used to frost a Hot, Hearty Golden Puff for a unique twist. Consider serving with fresh fruit for a balanced dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. If it thickens, you can gently whip it again to restore its fluffy texture, making it perfect for spreading or piping.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Icing For Cake contains roughly 435 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value).

435 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.5g 11% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 56.5g 21% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 21.5g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 103.4mg 4% DV
Potassium 243.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 5.6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.4mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 11.4mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 138.6mg 11% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% 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 all butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can use all butter for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, and the icing may be softer. If you prefer a firmer icing, consider using a combination of butter and shortening.

How can I make the icing more colorful?

To add color to your icing, simply mix in a few drops of food coloring after combining the ingredients. Remember to start with a small amount and increase as needed to achieve your desired shade without altering the flavor.

Can this icing be used for cookies?

Absolutely! This icing works well for cookies, especially when you want a fluffy texture. Just ensure the cookies are completely cooled before applying the icing to prevent it from melting.

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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