Here’s Our Guide To Everyone’s Top Three Favorite Frostings In The Baking World

When it comes to desserts, the icing on the cake is quite literal. The right icing can transform a simple dessert into a work of art, adding flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Icings also work as adhesives between layers of cake, holding them firmly in place and presenting an even base on which to add fondant decorations. There are a few popular icings that are a staple in the baking world. Here’s how to make those with some general tips to keep in mind when making icings.

1. Buttercream Cake Frosting Recipe

Buttercream is a fluffy, sweet cake frosting used on cakes and cupcakes, and is sometimes even spread on cookies. It’s thick and opaque, and recognizable by its highly creamy texture. Adding a classic flavor like vanilla makes it instantly likable too. Other flavors you can add to it include almond extract and lemon or any other citrusy zest. Check out this easy cake frosting recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup butter
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla
• 1-2 tbsp milk

Directions:

• In a bowl, stir together the sugar and butter. Use an electric mixer and make sure it’s on low speed so that it really gathers and churns the ingredients.
• Add the vanilla and milk, and continue mixing till it’s ready.

General tips and tricks:

• If the mixture is too thick, add in more milk, a few drops at a time. If it has turned out too thin, add some more powdered sugar to the bowl and mix.
• Before using the butter, let it sit out at room temperature and soften naturally. That will add the smooth texture of the final icing.
• If making a vanilla buttercream frosting, use the paste of a real vanilla bean instead of the readymade concoction, for a sharper and more even flavor. Vanilla amplifies the sweetness of sugar, so using good quality vanilla means you can get away with using lesser sugar. 
• This icing works particularly well with chocolate flavors, be it cakes or cupcakes.  

2. Cream Cheese Frosting 

With a delightful texture and the signature tang, cream cheese frosting is a versatile superstar in the world of baking. It can easily complement different flavors, and can be used on red velvet cakes, carrot cakes, and other strong, recognizable flavor notes. The tang also means it's not as sweet as other icings, and offers some contrast, offering a more contrasting palette. This easy cream cheese cake frosting recipe can be made for any flavour of cake.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 250 gms cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

• Add the butter and cream cheese in a bowl;--make sure you’re using brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable kind. Use an electric mixer and beat until it’s creamy and lump-free.
• Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix both in.
• Keep the mixer on low and slowly add the sugar, one spoon at a time, until it’s completely combined.

General tips and tricks:

• Use full fat cream cheese, not the low fat kind.
• It’s better to use unsalted butter and then add a dash of salt yourself so you have complete control over the flavor. But if all you have on hand is salted butter, just skip the extra salt, and that works too.
• Make sure the cream cheese and butter have been sitting out and are naturally softened before you start making the icing. This ensures it mixes properly without forming lumps.

3. Chocolate Frosting

Chocolate is a classic flavor in the baking world. With chocolate flavored baked goods, while contrasts like cream cheese frosting present an interesting flavor profile, for a chocolate lover, nothing beats the intense flavor of chocolate on chocolate. Even though it’s chocolate, it's important to ensure that the frosting isn't too sweet or it’ll throw the taste of the entire cake off-balance.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• ⅔ cup cocoa
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

• Add the butter and cocoa in a bowl, and beat with an electric mixer.
• Add the sugar and beat until it’s completely combined.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and vanilla extract. Add this mixture, a little at a time, to the bowl, mixing continuously until the frosting is ready and of a spreadable consistency.

General tips and tricks:

• Sieve the cocoa before using it to prevent clumps.