Frosting Recipes for Cupcake & Cake Decorating Enthusiasts

A selection of Frosting Recipes

Suitable for your cupcake and cake Toppers

Every showstopping cake begins with a flawless foundation, and frosting sets the stage for truly memorable decorating. At Simply Toppers, we know that the right frosting doesn’t just add flavour, it enhances texture, structure and presentation. That’s why we’ve brought together this essential list of various frosting recipes, that are ideal for cupcakes and celebration cakes alike. Each suited to classic favourites and modern alternatives. Each recipe is designed to support your decorating journey and showcase your edible cupcake toppers and cake decorations to their very best.

Here we have a full list of frosting recipes for you to try and suitable for all skill levels, that you can also include food colouring or other flavourings to customise the frosting to your liking.

Buttercream frosting

 is a popular type of frosting that is made by creaming together butter (Trex instead of butter gives a lovely marshmallow taste and is made from vegetable oils) icing sugar, and sometimes other flavouring’s such as vanilla. It is commonly used to frost cakes and cupcakes, and the creamy texture and rich flavour make it a favourite among many bakers. Buttercream frosting can be piped or spread onto cakes and can be easily flavoured or coloured to suit different tastes and occasions.

Cream cheese frosting

is a sweet and creamy frosting made with cream cheese, butter, Icing sugar, and sometimes vanilla extract. It is commonly used to coat and decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods to add a tangy and rich flavour. Cream cheese frosting is a popular choice for red velvet cakes, carrot cakes, and cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

- 4 cups sifted icing sugar

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

Gradually add in the icing sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and smooth.

If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Spread the cream cheese frosting on your desired baked goods, such as cupcakes, cakes, or cookies.

Store any leftover frosting in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to bring it back to room temperature and beat it again before using.

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Ganache frosting

Enjoy your delicious ganache frosting! It has a smooth and glossy finish. Ganache frosting is easy to make and can be customized by using different types of chocolate or adding flavours like vanilla or liqueurs.

Ingredients:

1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup of heavy cream

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.

Add the butter and vanilla extract to the bowl.

Using a whisk, gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and shiny.

Let the ganache cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the ganache has reached a spreadable consistency, you can use it to frost cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods, and has a smooth and glossy finish

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Royal icing

Royal icing can be coloured with food colouring if desired. It is commonly used to decorate cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. it does harden when it dries, making it a popular choice for creating intricate designs and decorations on fruit baked goods.

Ingredients:

2 large egg whites

3 cups sifted icing sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy.

Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract to the egg whites while continuing to beat until the mixture forms stiff peaks.

Transfer the icing to a piping bag or spread it onto your baked goods with a spatula.

Allow the icing to dry and harden before serving.

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Marshmallow frosting

Use the marshmallow frosting to frost cakes, cupcakes, or any other baked goods. Enjoy! is a sweet and fluffy topping made from marshmallows, sugar, water, and sometimes egg whites. It is often used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods for a light and airy finish.

Ingredients:

3 large egg whites

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar.

Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

Whisk constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch, about 3-5 minutes.

Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer the mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.

Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy, about 7-10 minutes.

 

Whipped cream

Enjoy! frosting is a light and fluffy topping made by whipping heavy cream until it becomes thick and creamy. It is often sweetened with powdered sugar and flavoured with vanilla extract or other flavouring’s. Whipped cream frosting is commonly used to top cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts for a creamy and delicious finishing touch.

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons sifted icing sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream.

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken.

Add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl.

Continue to beat the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat the cream.

The whipped cream is now ready to use. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 

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Fondant frosting

Is a type of icing that is smooth, pliable, and can be rolled out to cover cakes and other baked goods. It is typically made from sugar, water, and a few other ingredients, and can be flavoured and coloured in a variety of ways. Fondant frosting is popular for decorating cakes and creating intricate designs, as it can be shaped and moulded into different shapes and figures. Typically, available ready made to purchase in a variety of colours from local supermarkets.

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Meringue frosting

It is typically used as a topping for cakes and cupcakes and can be flavoured with vanilla or other extracts. Meringue frosting is known for its smooth texture and ability to hold decorative peaks and swirls. It is a popular choice for those looking for a light and airy frosting option.

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg whites and sugar.

Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the mixture with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat for another minute.

Use the meringue frosting immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes. Enjoy! is a light and fluffy frosting

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Glaze frosting

Enjoy your delicious, glazed treats! is a shiny, thin layer of frosting that is often used to top baked goods such as cakes, donuts, and pastries. It is typically made with a mixture of sifted icing sugar, milk or water, and flavouring’s such as vanilla or lemon extract.

Ingredients:

2 cups sifted icing sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk or water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a medium mixing bowl, sift the icing sugar to remove any lumps.

Gradually add in the milk or water, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid based on your desired thickness for the glaze.

Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

If you prefer a flavoured glaze, you can add a few drops of food colouring or extracts such as lemon, almond, or peppermint.

Once your glaze is ready, you can drizzle it over cakes, cookies, donuts, or any other baked goods. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Glaze frosting is applied by pouring or drizzling it over the baked goods, creating a smooth and glossy finish. It adds a touch of sweetness and a decorative element to the finished product.

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Vegan frosting

Popular frosting for those who are vegan, vegetarian and may have dietary requirements

Ingredients:

1 cup vegan butter, softened

3 cups sifted icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2-3 tbsp non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk)

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter until creamy.

Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add the vanilla extract and 2 tbsp of non-dairy milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of non-dairy milk.

Use the frosting to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies as desired.