Sharon'S Frosting
Sharon's frosting is a rich, creamy vanilla-flavored icing with a smooth, fluffy texture, perfect for cakes and cupcakes, appealing to those who love classic homemade frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix flour and milk over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Allow the flour and milk mixture to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, cream together shortening, sugar, and a pinch of salt until fluffy.
- Gradually beat the cooled flour and milk mixture into the creamed mixture on high speed until very creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and beat until well incorporated.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter frosting, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. This will add a richer flavor and creaminess. If you're short on milk, almond or soy milk can work as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the taste. Make sure to cool the flour and milk mixture completely; this step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Additionally, using high-quality vanilla extract will enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This frosting pairs beautifully with a classic vanilla or chocolate cake, making it perfect for birthdays or celebrations. For a fun twist, try it on cupcakes or layer it between cookies. Serve alongside a slice of Kathy'S Toffee Bars for a delightful dessert platter. It's great for adding a sweet finish to any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, or gently microwave it in 10-second intervals until it's spreadable. If it thickens too much, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon'S Frosting contains roughly 1463 calories, with 20g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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 use butter instead of shortening in this frosting?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that butter may result in a softer frosting, so ensure your cake is completely cooled before applying it.
How can I make this frosting less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar by a cup or add a pinch of cocoa powder to balance the flavors. Alternatively, using unsweetened whipped cream as a topping can create a nice contrast.
Is this frosting suitable for decorating cakes?
Absolutely! This frosting is excellent for decorating due to its creamy texture. Just make sure to whip it well until fluffy, which will help it hold its shape when piped onto cakes or cupcakes.
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).