This classic recipe card offers not one, but four types of icing beloved for their simplicity and versatility, Decorator Frosting, Cake Icing, Royal Icing (Egg White Recipe), and a Meringue Powder Version. Common in vintage cookbooks and handed around in baking circles, these frostings were go-to choices for home bakers decorating celebration cakes, cookies, and pastries. Their enduring appeal lies in their easy-to-source ingredients, ability to hold shape for decorating, and flavor customization potential. These recipes capture a mid-20th-century American kitchen style where Crisco and powdered sugar reigned supreme.
Ingredients
Decorator Frosting:
- 1 cup shortening (Crisco or Spry)
- 1 lb powdered sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp. light flavoring (colorless preferred)
- pinch of salt
Cake Icing:
- 2 cups shortening
- 2 lbs powdered sugar
- ⅔ – ¾ cup water
- 2 tsp. light flavoring
- ⅛ tsp of salt
- 3-4 drops butter flavor
Royal Icing with Meringue Powder:
- 3 egg whites (medium eggs)
- 2 lb powdered sugar
- ½ tsp. cream of tartar
- 4 tbsp meringue powder
- 5 tsp water
Instructions
Recipe 1: Make Decorator Frosting
- Add shortening to bowl.
- Add sugar and water alternately while mixing at medium to slow speed.
- Add salt and flavoring.
- Scrape bowl and mix again until smooth.
- Store in an airtight container. No refrigeration needed.
Recipe 2: Make Cake Icing
- Add shortening to bowl.
- Add sugar and water alternately while mixing at medium to slow speed.
- Add salt, flavoring, and butter flavor.
- Mix for a total of 5–6 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container. No refrigeration needed.
Recipe 3: Make Royal Icing with Meringue Powder
- Add all ingredients to a bowl.
- Mix at medium speed until frosting holds a peak.
Tips
- Substitute butter for shortening for richer flavor but reduce salt.
- Use gel coloring to tint icing without affecting texture.
- Add almond or vanilla extract for flavor variation.
- For vegan royal icing, use aquafaba instead of egg whites.
- Use less water for stiffer frosting needed for piping flowers.
Nutrition
Calories: 14325kcalCarbohydrates: 2269gProtein: 10gFat: 615gSaturated Fat: 154gPolyunsaturated Fat: 173gMonounsaturated Fat: 253gTrans Fat: 81gSodium: 525mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 2221gCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg
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