Sour Cream Icing

Cook: 10 min

Sour Cream Icing offers a tangy, creamy sweetness perfect for cakes and desserts. Its smooth texture and subtle vanilla flavor make it a versatile topping or filling, appealing to those who enjoy rich, dairy-based frostings with a slight tartness for a delightful finish.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 carton sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, sour cream, and vanilla in a saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes after it boils, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool before using.

Tips & Substitutions

For a thicker icing, allow it to cook a bit longer while stirring continuously. If you prefer a lighter flavor, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness. This icing works exceptionally well on cakes, such as a Coconut Sponge Roll, or even drizzled over brownies for an extra treat.

Serving Suggestions

This sour cream icing is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even pancakes. It pairs beautifully with a moist chocolate cake or vanilla cupcakes. For a delightful brunch treat, serve it alongside Eggs Au Gratin or drizzle over fresh fruit for a refreshing dessert option.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sour cream icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat while stirring, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it doesn’t separate. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading on desserts.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sour Cream Icing contains roughly 116 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).

116 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 24.8g 9% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 171.6mg 7% DV
Potassium 218.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 10.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 87.6mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 9.1mg 10% DV
Calcium 156.1mg 12% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 a different type of cream instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. However, this may slightly alter the taste. If you use heavy cream, the icing will be richer but may not have the same thickening properties.

How do I know when the icing has thickened enough?

The icing is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has a glossy appearance. If you dip the spoon back into the mixture, it should leave a trail. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes of boiling and stirring.

Can I add flavors or colors to this icing?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest. For color, consider adding a few drops of food coloring to match your dessert theme. Just be sure to mix thoroughly to achieve even coloring.

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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