Whipped Icing Recipes

NOT-SO-SWEET WHIPPED FROSTING

Steps:

• In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed until creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, and then beat on medium speed until combined and completely smooth (absolutely no lumps), at least 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to smooth out.
• Switch to a whisk attachment (if you haven't already been using it). Turn the mixer to low speed and with the mixer running, carefully pour in the cream in a slow and steady stream. After all of the cream has been added, turn the mixer up to high speed and whip until thick and stiff peaks form, about 1-2 minutes. This time can vary depending on exact temperature of ingredients, temperature in kitchen, and even the humidity. Do not walk away during this time and do not be concerned if your frosting takes longer to whip. You're looking for a thick, airy consistency with stiff peaks. If you were to shimmy and shake your bowl, the frosting would hardly move. If your frosting appears soupy now or at any point you are working with it, it needs more whipping to introduce more air. If your frosting appears chunky or curdled, it's over-whipped. To fix, stir 1 Tablespoon of heavy cream into the frosting by hand to smooth out again. Use more heavy cream if needed to smooth out.
• After you make the whipped frosting, it's ready to frost your cupcakes, cake, or other confections. After frosting a cake or cupcakes with this frosting, I strongly recommend refrigerating them uncovered for at least 30 minutes to help "set" the frosting (especially when using on a layer cake). Then you can serve or set out for a few hours before serving. And please note that you'll notice the frosting becomes thicker and airier the longer it sits in your mixing bowl. This is not a problem and can easily be fixed by gently stirring it to pop any air bubbles. Likewise, if you notice the frosting really airy and looking over-whipped as you pipe it with piping tips, either "massage" the frosting while it's in the piping bag (sounds weird, but this can help deflate air bubbles) or pipe back into the mixing bowl and gently stir it. You can even stir in a splash of heavy cream to thin/smooth out if needed.
• After the 30 minutes of refrigerating to "set" the frosting as instructed in step 3, frosted confections are fine to serve or sit out at room temperature for a few hours. If you plan to serve later than that, such as the next day, I recommend storing in the refrigerator. Lightly cover as best you can. Confections topped with this frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.

WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Place a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer in the freezer until cold, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, fill the bowl with ice water and let stand for 5 minutes. Pour out the ice water and quickly wipe the bowl dry.
• Sift the sugar and powdered milk into the chilled bowl, then add the cold cream and vanilla. Whip the mixture on high speed until stiff, but smooth peaks form, about 2 minutes. If you accidentally overwhip, the peaks will look like they are cracking. Add about a tablespoon more heavy cream and hand whip the frosting until it smooths out.
• The recipe makes enough frosting to generously top 24 cupcakes or to cover two 8-inch-round cakes, plus extra to pipe decorations. Unrefrigerated, the frosting will hold its shape for up to 6 hours.

WHIPPED FROSTING I

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, mix milk into flour gradually to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring constantly over low heat until thick. Cover with waxed paper and cool completely or set in bowl of ice water and stir until cooled.
• In mixer bowl, combine shortening and margarine, beat 4 minutes. Add sugar; beat 4 minutes. Add cooled paste and vanilla and beat well.

WHIPPED FROSTING

Steps:

• In a heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of simmering water, combine egg whites, sugar, salt, and water. Cook over medium, stirring constantly, until sugar has dissolved (or mixture registers 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until glossy, stiff peaks form (do not overbeat), about 3 minutes; reduce speed to low, add vanilla extract, and beat just until combined. Use immediately.

WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Using both a chilled bowl and chilled beaters, beat the cream until frothy.
• Add the icing sugar and vanilla gradually while beating.
• Whip until light and a thick enough consistency to spread as an icing.
• Use immediately.