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Homemade Icing

BY:

Rachel


Whip up your own easy homemade icing in just 3 minutes! Perfect for pastries, cakes, and more, with tips for the perfect consistency and flavor.

Homemade icing in a small glass bowl with a spoon dripping with the icing

Have you ever bought those tubes of cinnamon rolls that come with icing but clearly not enough? I have a solution for you. This easy homemade icing is just the thing you need.

Creating the perfect icing shouldn’t be a long, complicated process. Today, I’m here to share an incredibly easy icing recipe that’s ready in a mere 3 minutes, promising to elevate your baked goods to a whole new level of deliciousness or giving you the adequate amount of icing needed for the perfect ratio of cinnamon roll to icing!

This icing is ideal for pastries like turnovers, danishes, or scones, this icing also makes a fabulous addition to cookies, brownies, and cakes. Find the full recipe card on how to whip up this versatile sweet treat in no time at the bottom of this post!

Adjust for Consistency and Flavor

Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor balance is key to making this easy icing a success. If your icing is on the thicker side, gradually add more milk or cream, teaspoon by teaspoon, until you reach the ideal consistency. As for the flavor, almond extract provides a rich and unique taste. However, it’s important to start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, ensuring the icing doesn’t become overly strong.

One thing I love about this icing is I can adjust the consistency to my liking and need. Feel free to make it thick yet spreadable or thin for drizzling.

How to make homemade icing process photo collage

Vanilla Icing vs Almond Icing

Although you can make this icing into the classic vanilla flavor I highly recommend trying almond similar to amoretto.

While vanilla is a beloved and classic choice for icing, almond offers a bolder and more distinctive flavor. Vanilla can often be sweet, but it may not provide a strong enough taste to balance out the powdered sugar. On the other hand, almond extract is potent and can easily overcome the sweetness of the sugar, adding a delicious depth of flavor to your icing.

Considering Your Extract Quality

Remember that the quality of your almond extract or oil will significantly impact the flavor of your icing. Opt for a high-quality extract or oil for the best results, and adjust the quantity according to your taste preferences and the strength of the product. Oils are typical much stronger than extracts but some extracts, especially ones labeled extra-strength, can rival an oil in potency.

Will Homemade Icing Get Hard or Stay Sticky?

With limited amounts of fat in this icing it is designed to crust and set over time, losing its stickiness. This is a great advantage when you need to cover or package your baked goods, as it ensures a sweet finish without the mess. The icing will remain in place, adding a touch of sweetness and decoration without sticking to surfaces.

This type of icing is similar to what you would find on a turnover from a bakery or even Arby’s.

Ideas for Use

This versatile icing is perfect for a variety of treats. I love using a simple icing with these recipes:

Feel free to get creative and drizzle it over your favorite cakes, spread it on cookies, or use it to enhance the flavor of your breakfast pastries.

Storage

To store any leftover icing, place it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to one day. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, though you may need to let it come to room temperature and give it a good stir before using it again to restore its smooth consistency.

Lucious smooth homemade icing in a glass jar with whole almonds around the icing

Ready to Elevate Your Baking?

With this easy 3-minute icing in your culinary toolkit, you’re all set to add a sweet, delicious touch to all your favorite treats. Give it a try and discover just how simple and satisfying homemade icing can be! Don’t forget to check out the full recipe card below and start transforming your baked goods today.


Homemade 3-Minute Icing

Homemade 3-Minute Icing

Yield: about 1 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes

Whip up your own homemade icing in just 3 minutes! Perfect for pastries, cakes, and more, with tips for the perfect consistency and flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4-1 teaspoon almond extract See notes
  • 3-4 Tablespoons milk or cream (if using cream, you may need an additional tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, add all the ingredients. Blend until fully incorporated.
  2. If the icing is too thick, add an additional 1 teaspoon of liquid at a time until the consistency you desire is reached.
  3. If the flavor is too weak, add a very small amount of almond extract until you reach your desired strength.

Step by Step picture collage of how to make simple homemade icing

Notes

  • You may need additional liquid to achieve your desired consistency (spreadable, thick and holds its shape, thin to drizzle, etc).
  • Remember, extracts and oils are liquids and can change the consistancy. Add additional flavoring if needed before adding additional milk or cream to thin.
  • Almond extract comes in different strengths and qualities. Some are very strong while others are not. Start by adding 1/4 teaspoon then add additional if needed. It is always easier to add more than to take it away once added.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g

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