This vintage-style icing recipe recreates the beloved frosting from Enlow’s Bakery, a name remembered fondly by those lucky enough to taste its treats. Made with powdered sugar, shortening, and a hint of vanilla, the frosting is ultra-smooth and lightly salted, perfect for spreading or piping. Its simple, shelf-stable ingredients suggest it was crafted for both reliability and nostalgia, with a flavor profile reminiscent of classic bakery cakes from the mid-20th century.
Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup shortening
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup water
Makes: 9 x 13inch rectangle
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add powdered sugar, shortening, salt, and vanilla.
Step 2: Add Liquid
- Pour in the water gradually.
Step 3: Mix Until Smooth
- Beat mixture with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until fluffy and smooth, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency (Optional)
- Add a few more drops of water if needed to reach spreadable consistency.
Tips
- Add a splash more water for a thinner, glaze-like consistency.
- Use milk instead of water for a richer icing.
- Substitute butter for some or all of the shortening for a softer, creamier flavor.
- Add more powdered sugar to thicken if needed.
- Tint with food coloring for themed cakes or desserts.
- Add almond extract instead of vanilla for a bakery-style variation.
- Whip longer for a fluffier texture.
- Spread immediately, this icing sets quickly.
- Add a pinch more salt to balance extra sweetness.
Nutrition
Calories: 2769kcalCarbohydrates: 360gProtein: 1gFat: 154gSaturated Fat: 38gPolyunsaturated Fat: 43gMonounsaturated Fat: 63gTrans Fat: 20gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 103mgPotassium: 28mgSugar: 352gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.4mg
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