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A piping bag with frosting next to un-frosted cupcakes on a pink tiled surface.
5 stars (2 ratings)

How to Thicken Frosting Quickly- Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Thick frosting is the perfect topping to add that extra bit of sweetness and flavor – but how do you get it just right? Learn How To Thicken Frosting with this Vanilla frosting recipe for your favorite desserts!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) cream, or milk

Instructions
 

  • In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment add the 1 cup butter and 3 cups powdered sugar. Turn the dial to the lowest mixing setting so powdered sugar doesn't blow up all over the place.
  • Butter and powdered sugar creamed together in a mixing bowl.
    Move to a medium speed when the sugar is more incorporated. Mix for 2 minutes.
  • Stop the mixer and add in the 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tsp cream. Mix on medium-high speed for 1 minute-2 minutes.
  • The icing should have stiff peaks, and hold its shape, not runny at all.

How To Thicken Frosting

  • A thick frosting in a bowl with the paddle attachment pulled out.
    Sift 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and add it to the buttercream frosting. Whip it up at high speed until the desired consistency is formed. Add more slowly if needed!

How To Thicken Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Thicken cream cheese frosting in a bowl on a blue surface.
    Sift 1/4 cup powdered sugar OR 1/4 cup cornstarch and ass to the cream cheese frosting. Whip it up at high speed until the desired consistency is formed. Place the frosting in the fridge for 20 minutes before frosting your dessert to allow it to harden properly.

How To Thicken A Glaze Or Cookie Icing

  • A bundt cake drizzled with thick white frosting on a pink plate.
    Add all of the frosting ingredients to a bowl EXCEPT for the powdered sugar.One tablespoon at a time, add in the powdered sugar, and mix. Keep adding powdered sugar until the glaze is thick and starts to hold its shape. Adjust with a small amount of water or milk if necessary until desired consistency is reached.

How To Thin Frosting If It's Too Thick

  • A glaze icing in a glass bowl with a mini spatula inside of it.
    To the bowl with the thick frosting, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water. Using milk will add a bit of creaminess to the frosting, but water will make it a bit more translucent. Mix together until desired consistency is reached. Add more liquid a teaspoon at a time if needed!

Notes

Really all you need to know is that to thicken frosting you will add a small amount of powdered sugar until you reach the right consistency.
To think out frosting, its the opposite. Just add more liquid until desired consistency. 
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 256kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 6mg, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 485IU, Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 0.02mg
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