Red Velvet Cake Frosting

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min

A rich and creamy red velvet cake frosting with classic vanilla flavor, perfect for spreading on moist cakes. Its smooth texture and sweet taste make it a delightful finishing touch for special celebrations or everyday desserts, appealing to those who love indulgent, velvety finishes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 c. shortening
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cook milk, flour, and salt until thick, stirring constantly. Let cool.
  2. Cream shortening and sugar very well.
  3. Add vanilla.
  4. Combine with the cooked mixture; beat until fluffy.
  5. Spread on cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter frosting, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute the shortening with Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative. Make sure the milk is at room temperature to help the mixture combine more easily, and always stir constantly while cooking to prevent lumps. This frosting is great for layering on cakes like Psychiatrist'S Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This fluffy frosting pairs beautifully with red velvet cake, but it can also elevate other desserts like chocolate or vanilla cakes. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a scoop of Soy Milk Pudding for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. It also works well as a dip for fresh fruit or cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and whip it lightly to restore its fluffiness. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid separation.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Red Velvet Cake Frosting contains roughly 1005 calories, with 10g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1162mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).

1005 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.2g 20% DV
Total Fat 67.2g 86% DV
Carbs 90.9g 33% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 27.8g 56% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1162.3mg 51% DV
Potassium 236.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 3.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 112.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 12mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 257.5mg 20% DV
Iron 6.4mg 36% DV
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 butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can definitely use butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor. However, the texture may become a bit denser. If you prefer a lighter frosting, consider using half butter and half shortening for the best of both worlds.

How can I make this frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the frosting, you can decrease the amount of sugar by up to a quarter cup. Additionally, incorporating a pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder can balance the sweetness without compromising the texture.

Is this frosting suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, you can make this frosting vegan by substituting the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, and replacing shortening with a vegan butter alternative. This allows you to enjoy the frosting while adhering to vegetarian recipes.

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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