Mama'S Old-Timey Icing
A nostalgic, creamy vanilla frosting with a smooth, thick texture, perfect for layering on cakes and appealing to those who enjoy classic homemade sweets.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour and milk in a saucepan and cook until thick.
- Cover and refrigerate until cooled.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the shortening, sugar, vanilla, and melted margarine until thick and creamy.
- Add the chilled milk and flour mixture from the refrigerator and whip for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Spread over cooled cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother icing, ensure that the flour and milk mixture is completely cooled before adding it to the creamed ingredients. If you don't have shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of butter for a richer flavor. This icing is perfect for layering on cakes or cupcakes and can be flavored with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
Serving Suggestions
This icing pairs beautifully with a simple vanilla or chocolate cake, adding a delightful creaminess. Consider serving slices alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. For a unique twist, serve it with a slice of Luscious Lime Whip for a refreshing combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to restore its creamy texture. Reheating is not recommended, as it may change the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Old-Timey Icing contains roughly 822 calories, with 7g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.
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 margarine and shortening?
Yes, you can substitute both margarine and shortening with an equal amount of butter. This will give your icing a richer flavor and creaminess. Just make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for the best results.
How can I make this icing less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the icing, consider cutting back on the sugar by about 1/4 cup. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, or incorporate a bit of cocoa powder if you want a chocolate-flavored icing.
Can I add flavorings other than vanilla?
Absolutely! You can customize this icing by adding various extracts such as almond, lemon, or coconut. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your preference. This will give your icing a unique twist and complement different cake flavors.
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).