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–+ servings
Icings and Frostings
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course frostings and icings
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 260 kcal

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

  • Add a splash of vanilla, almond, or butter flavoring for custom tastes.
  • Use gel coloring for vibrant icing without thinning the texture.
  • Add 1 to 2 tablespoons extra water if you need a softer, more spreadable consistency.
  • For stiffer piping consistency, add small increments of powdered sugar.
  • Substitute half the shortening with butter for a richer flavor.
  • Add a pinch more salt to reduce sweetness.
  • Chill briefly before piping intricate designs for better definition.
  • Use clear flavorings if you want pure white frosting (as noted on the card: “colorless”).
  • Whip longer (5 to 6 minutes as written) for extra-fluffy, bakery-style texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 32gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 35mgPotassium: 5mgSugar: 30gCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword bakery-style, cake decorating, frosting, homemade icing, old fashioned, sweet, vintage recipe
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