Buttercream frosting is a common option for cakes and cupcakes, but many people find it to be too sweet or dense. If you want something fluffier and more lightweight, you can choose to decorate using whipped icing instead.
But how do you make this delectably light and delicious icing? It’s pretty simple. All you need is some heavy cream, icing sugar, and a pinch of vanilla. It’s easiest to make using a stand mixer, so if you don’t own one yet, I highly recommend purchasing one.
Hello, there! My name is Michelle, and I’m a big fan of whipped icing. Whipped icing has a fluffy consistency that melts in your mouth, and it’s not so sweet that you’ll feel sick by the time you finish your slice of cake.
Needless to say, I love whipped icing and make it often – and it helps that it’s super simple to create.
Keep reading to learn how to make whipped cream frosting like the bakery!
Contents
What is Whipped Icing
Before we dive into how to make whipped icing like the bakery, we first need to discuss what whipped icing actually is.
Essentially, whipped icing is a type of frosting that undergoes an extensive “whipping” process, much like whipped cream.
Whipped icing only needs three ingredients in order to make it: heavy cream, icing sugar (or powdered sugar), and vanilla. Of course, you can add other flavors, such as lemon or strawberry, if you want to alter the taste of the whipped icing.
What is the Difference Between Frosting and Whipped Frosting
The critical difference between frosting (buttercream) and whipped icing is that regular frosting contains some type of fat, such as butter or shortening. This produces the incredibly velvety and rich result that many people adore.
Whipped icing, on the other hand, contains no butter or shortening. It relies on heavy cream and sugar to create a delicate texture and lovely flavor that works well on all types of treats, especially cakes, and cupcakes.
How to Make Whipped Icing in 3 Simple Steps
When it comes to making whipped icing, you can think of the lucky number “three.” That’s because it only takes three ingredients and three steps to create whipped icing successfully. Pretty simple, huh? You bet. Here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need to Make Whipped Icing
To make whipped icing, you will only need three ingredients: heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla.
You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to make whipped icing. I highly recommend using a stand mixer. It will make it immensely easier to add the ingredients without having to stop mixing the ingredients, ensuring top-notch results every time.
(By the way, if you’re thinking about purchasing a KitchenAid stand mixer but aren’t sure if it’s worth the price, I suggest checking out my article about KitchenAid pricing.)
How to Make Whipped Icing
Now that you have your ingredients ready to go, it’s time for the fun part – making the whipped icing! It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 – literally. Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Start by chilling the mixing bowl and beaters. This will make it easier to whip the ingredients, leading to perfect icing every time.
Step 2: Beat one pint of heavy cream until it becomes frothy. This should only take a few minutes at medium-high speed.
Step 3: Slowly add one cup of icing sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla. The ingredients should be added while the mixture is beating at medium speed.
Step 4: Continue to whip until you reach the desired consistency. Whipped icing should be light but thick enough to hold onto its shape.
Step 5: Decorate your cakes, cupcakes, and other goodies!
FAQs
Making whipped icing like the bakery is a cinch and can be done in just a few short minutes. Who’d have thought? If you want to learn a little more about whipped icing, I’m here to help. Here are a couple of frequently asked questions you might want to check out.
What makes icing Fluffy?
To make sure your whipped icing turns out fluffy, you want to make sure you’re using a chilled bowl and beaters and cold ingredients.
Don’t overmix. If desired, you can add a teaspoon of gelatin to ensure the whipped icing doesn’t fall flat after it’s whipped (which is relatively common).
How long can a cake with whipped icing sit out?
Since whipped icing contains dairy (heavy cream), it shouldn’t be left sitting out for longer than two hours. If you need to keep your cake with whipped icing longer than two hours, store it in an airtight container or cake stand for up to a week.
Which is the best frosting for cakes?
Which frosting is “best” for cakes is more of a personal preference. For instance, some may enjoy the rich and easily spreadable buttercream, while others prefer the light and refreshing whipped icing.
Others enjoy the slight tang of cream cheese frosting, while some love to decorate and make intricate designs with fondant.
Making Whipped Icing Like the Bakery is a Breeze
Needless to say, making whipped icing like the bakery is super easy. So go ahead and try your hands at making whipped icing at home. You’ll fool your friends into thinking a “pro” made it, and they will enjoy every single bite.
Do you make whipped icing at home? What is your favorite type of frosting? Are you #teambuttercream or #teamwhippedicing? Comment below!
About Michelle