This classic Chocolate Icing recipe is a delightful throwback to vintage American baking. Handwritten on a worn card, it’s likely been passed down through generations, cherished for its simplicity and nostalgic charm. The inclusion of powdered sugar, shortening, and melted chocolate creates a fluffy, sweet, and rich frosting ideal for cakes, cupcakes, or brownies. Perfect for birthdays or special occasions, it showcases a time-tested technique for creating smooth, homemade frosting with just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 egg (large, unbeaten )
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup shortening (soft )
- 2 oz unsweetened chocolate (melted)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Melt the unsweetened chocolate and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Base
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the unbeaten egg, powdered sugar, and salt.
Step 3: Add Shortening and Chocolate
- Add the soft shortening and melted chocolate to the bowl.
Step 4: Beat Until Fluffy
- Using a rotary beater (or electric mixer), beat the mixture until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Use or Store
- Spread immediately on cooled cake or cupcakes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Tips
- Replace shortening with softened butter for a richer flavor.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for enhanced aroma.
- For a thicker icing, add an extra ¼ cup powdered sugar.
- For a glossier finish, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm milk.
- Use melted bittersweet chocolate instead of unsweetened for a deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify chocolate notes.
- Chill for 10 minutes before spreading for a firmer texture.
- Make it dairy-free by keeping the shortening and omitting milk add-ins.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Chocolate Icing de Luxe
Mix 1 large unbeaten egg,
2 cups pwd. Sugar,
¼ tsp salt
⅓ cup soft shortening
2 sqs. unsweetened chocolate
(melted)
Beat with rotary beater
until fluffy -
spreadFrom Transcription to Instructions
Hey there from Salvaged Recipes, we love that little original recipe for Chocolate Icing de Luxe, it's a brisk note that basically says mix and beat until fluffy, so our instructions gently break that short note into clear steps you can follow: melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly, combine the unbeaten egg with the powdered sugar and salt, add the soft shortening and melted chocolate, then beat until light and spread on a cooled cake. We didn't change the method, we just spelled out the order and added a quick note about spreading and refrigeration so you won't wonder when to cool or store.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cupcakeCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 45IUCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.6mg
