Mary'S Favorite Icing
A creamy, versatile icing with a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes, suitable for those who enjoy smooth, fluffy frosting with classic sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine milk and flour in a saucepan.
- Cook until thick. Cover and refrigerate.
- Beat butter, shortening, sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add the milk and flour mixture to the creamed mixture.
- Beat for 10 minutes. Frost cooled chocolate or any cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with Greek yogurt. If you need a gluten-free alternative, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure to let the milk and flour mixture cool completely before mixing it into the creamed butter and sugar to prevent melting the butter. This icing pairs beautifully with Emily Carter Jone'S Butter Cookies for a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This icing is perfect for frosting chocolate cakes, but it also works wonderfully on vanilla or red velvet cakes. For a special touch, consider using it between layers of your cake or drizzling it over cupcakes. It complements American recipes like Ham 'N' Cheese Rolls as part of a festive dessert spread.
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 good stir to regain its creamy texture. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Favorite Icing contains roughly 744 calories, with 8g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this icing for cupcakes?
Absolutely! This icing is great for cupcakes. Just be sure to let it cool and thicken properly before applying, as it will hold its shape better and create a beautifully frosted presentation.
How can I make this icing less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Alternatively, pairing this icing with a less sweet cake can help create a more balanced dessert.
Can I flavor this icing differently?
Yes! You can easily customize the flavor by substituting the vanilla extract with almond extract, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Just start with a small amount and adjust to your 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).