Frosting vs Icing: Main Differences and Types

What is Frosting?

Other than being delicious, frosting is a way to decorate cakes, cookies, and desserts. You’ll be able to recognize frosting by its thick and creamy consistency.  

What is frosting made of? Its exact composition can vary, but it typically includes ingredients such as powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and sometimes milk. Its texture and flavor depend on the specific recipe used. 

What sets frosting apart is that it holds its shape well, and its key ingredient is butter or heavy cream. Frosting is perfect for piping and creating heart shaped frosted cake pops.  

 

Types of Frosting

There are different types of frosting, each with unique features that perfectly blends to different baking needs and flavors.  

 

Cream cheese frosting

Balance the sweetness of desserts with a tangy, refreshing cream cheese frosting. Wonders happen when you combine cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.  

Carrot cake, banana cake, and red velvet cupcakes are all delicious matches for cream cheese frosting. Or get creative and follow our Texas sheet cake with chocolate frosting recipe. It calls for a chocolatey version of cream cheese frosting that is irresistible. 

 

Buttercream frosting

Buttercream frosting is a classic. It blends creamed butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk. You can always infuse extra flavors like lemon or vanilla to adapt to different recipes.  

Put a chocolate twist on your buttercream frosting simply by adding top-quality cocoa powder to the recipe. Any chocolate cravings will be instantly satisfied. 

 

Swiss and Italian Meringue Buttercream

Ready to impress guests? Swiss and Italian meringue buttercream won’t disappoint. It requires a little more skill, but the extra effort will be worth it.  

Most recipes ask you to beat egg whites and hot sugar syrup until peaks form. Next, whip in softened butter until you get an airy frosting with the texture of marshmallows. Perfect for piping and any decorating needs.  

What is Icing?

What is icing made of? Icing is a glossy, smooth glaze that can be drizzled over pastries, cookies, and other delicious baked goods. There are many variations of icing, but at its purest, it is powdered sugar mixed into a liquid (milk, cream, liqueur, or orange juice).  

Once it cools, icing usually sets well. Thanks to the liquid in the icing, it has a thin consistency that spreads easily. 

 

Types of Icing

 The choice of what type of icing often depends on the type of dessert being prepared and personal preferences in terms of texture and taste. Here are described the main differences of each single kind. 

 

Ganache

Ganache is for chocolate lovers. Silky in texture, this is the icing that melts in your mouth and gives a glossy sheen to desserts that deliver the wow factor. It’s literally the icing on the cake for whatever you’re baking.  

There’s almost nothing more decadent than this kind of icing. It will make everything from chocolate cakes and mousses to sponge tarts more enticing. Most recipes call for only two ingredients: dark chocolate and cream. That’s all that is needed to make magic. 

 

Whipped Cream

On the days when you’re looking for light and fluffy icing, whipped cream is a winner. Whip up cream and confectioner’s sugar and create the perfect topping for cupcakes in minutes.  

This icing is a lighter take on whipped cream frosting as it doesn’t have any stabilizers. SoSo, it should be eaten on the same day. It tastes like Summer and pairs delightfully with fresh strawberries. 

 

Royal Icing 

Simple to whip up in your kitchen, royal icing is used in countless recipes and sets quickly and smoothly. For decorating cookies and gingerbread houses, royal icing is the only choice.  

It contains confectioner’s sugar, water, and a few drops of vanilla extract. Beaten egg whites are added to the icing for extra stability. 

 

What is the difference between frosting and icing?

Frosting and icing can both be used to decorate a diverse array of desserts. But there are differences between them that are important to note so you can decide which one suits the recipe you’re making best.  

The first difference is the ingredient list. Both contain powdered sugar, but frosting is whipped from butter and icing with liquid. This results in a difference of textures. Frosting is thicker, so it’s perfect for piping, while icing is thinner and made for drizzling.