How To Make Icing
So you want to learn how to make icing? Have you had a look around at a few different recipes and techniques and found it all rather confusing?
Well don’t worry you’re not alone! When I first started to learn how to make icing I was dumbfounded by the many recipes available; so here are two styles which will suit different occasions.
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A basic but thin icing can of course be made by simply buying a packet of commercial icing sugar and mixing it with water. This is fine if you just want to cover some fairy cakes.
However if you want to make a great looking celebration cake then you’ll need something thicker that will dry harder than icing sugar.
For a formal looking cake such as a Christmas, wedding or Christening cake I would recommend a royal Icing. Learning how to make icing that will give your cake a smooth surface, perfect for adding flowers or piped lettering is a skill which takes some practice; so I recommend a trial run first.
This recipe will completely cover an 8 inch round cake or a 7 inch square cake.
• 450g icing sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 2 teaspoon’s glycerine
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice (strain to remove shreds)
Method
Sieve icing sugar until there are absolutely no lumps. Put egg whites into bowl and beat very lightly.
Add icing sugar to egg whites a tablespoon at a time and with a round bladed knife, quickly beat each spoonful in.
Next add your glycerine and lemon juice, stir thoroughly.
Place a damp cloth over the bowl and then place the whole thing in a plastic bag and leave overnight.
On the following day when you are ready to begin icing, place the cake on a board which must be at least three inches larger than the actual cake.
Begin by icing the sides of the cake with a metal knife which has been dipped in hot water and then wiped dry. Leave the cake overnight.
The next day you may ice the top using the same method as with the sides. Allow the top to dry and then place a second coat on the sides; again allow this to dry before putting a final coat on the top.
So now you know how to make icing and with practice you will be able to create a beautiful and professional looking occasion cake.
If this seems like too much work, or if you want to learn how to make icing for a less formal occasion then perhaps what you want is to learn how to make buttercream icing. This type of icing is often called “frosting” in America and it gives a fun look to cakes and is especially suited to children’s birthday cakes as it is easy to colour.
• 250g softened butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 600 g icing sugar
• 2 tablespoons of milk
Cream together the vanilla and the butter, mix in the sugar a little at a time beating well. Next beat the milk in and mix until the whole thing is light and fluffy.
This icing can be coloured and then spread on top of a cake and teased into attractive peaks, you can also pipe it onto cupcakes which makes for a pretty finish.
