This old-fashioned cake icing recipe captures the rich, smooth essence of classic American baking. Made with pantry staples like Crisco, canned milk, and cocoa powder, it's the kind of quick, go-to frosting that complements any homemade cake with creamy chocolate sweetness. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a nostalgic baking day, this icing is thick, spreadable, and beloved for its simplicity and rich flavor.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup Crisco
- 4 tbsp canned milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, add ½ cup Crisco, 4 tablespoons canned milk, and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
- Stir in a dash of salt and gradually add 2 cups confectioners’ sugar.
Step 3: Mix Until Smooth
- Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Use a hand mixer or whisk for best results.
Tips
- Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for classic flavor.
- Replace Crisco with softened butter for a richer buttercream-style icing.
- Increase cocoa to 3 tablespoons for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Add 1 to 2 extra tablespoons canned milk if you prefer a thinner, glossier icing.
- Mix with an electric beater for extra fluffiness.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify chocolate notes.
- Swap cocoa for melted chocolate for a smoother texture.
- Use powdered sugar sifted to avoid lumps.
- Add a tablespoon of corn syrup for a shiny, pourable finish.
Nutrition
Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 51mgPotassium: 24mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 0.2IUVitamin C: 0.002mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.3mg
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