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Creamy Coffee Raisin Frosting
Creamy Coffee Raisin Frosting is a nostalgic mid-century style icing that combines the bold warmth of hot coffee with the sweetness of confectioners’ sugar and the richness of butter and shortening. The addition of finely ground raisins gives it a subtle fruity depth and old-fashioned character, reminiscent of spice cakes and raisin cakes popular in American home baking. Coffee-flavored frostings became especially fashionable in the 1940s and 1950s, when coffee was a daily staple and creative dessert variations flourished. This frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet, rich, and slightly robust.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course frostings and icings
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp shortening
  • 1 tbsp butter (softened)
  • ¾ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted )
  • 2 tbsp hot coffee
  • 1 tbsp hot milk
  • ¼ cup ground raisins

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream the Base

  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and softened butter until smooth.
  • Add the vanilla extract and salt.
  • Blend thoroughly.

Step 2: Add Sugar Gradually

  • Beat in ½ cup of the confectioners’ sugar until incorporated.

Step 3: Alternate Liquids and Sugar

  • Add small amounts of hot coffee and hot cream alternately with the remaining confectioners’ sugar.
  • Beat well after each addition.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

  • Add only enough coffee and cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Add Raisins

  • Fold in ¼ cup finely ground raisins until evenly distributed.

Tips

  • Use strong brewed coffee for a bolder flavor.
  • Replace cream with heavy cream for a richer texture.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
  • Substitute espresso for deeper intensity.
  • Finely chop raisins if you prefer a chunkier texture.
  • Add a tablespoon of cream cheese for tanginess.
  • Pair with spice cake or carrot cake.
  • Toast raisins lightly for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 0.5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 35mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword cake icing, coffee, frosting, nostalgic food, retro baking, sweet spread, vintage
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