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1-2-3 Icing

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  • #80943

For an easy and creamy decorator icing, mix together confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Perfect for adding that finishing touch to your sweets.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes
Rating: 4/5

5 reviews
1 comment

ingredients

2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)

directions

Combine the confectioners sugar, butter, extract, and milk in a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add additional milk if needed for desired consistency.

added by

Christine Gable, CDKitchen Staff
Read more: Bunny Cakes & Buttercream Roses

recipe tips


Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the right consistency.

Sift the confectioners' sugar before adding it to the mixture to prevent lumps in the icing.

Adjust the amount of milk as needed for the desired consistency for piping or spreading.

Try different flavored extracts to create other versions of the icing.

For a smoother finish, let the iced cake sit for a few minutes to allow the icing to slightly set before smoothing with a spatula.

If the icing becomes too soft, you can refrigerate it for a short time to firm up before using.

Decorate the cake or cupcakes immediately after icing to prevent the icing from drying out and forming a crust.

common recipe questions


Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can use margarine as a substitute for butter in the icing, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

What if I don't have vanilla extract?

If you don't have vanilla extract, you can use other flavor extracts such as almond or lemon for a different flavor.

How can I adjust the consistency of the icing?

If the icing is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more confectioners' sugar.

Can I color the icing?

You can add food coloring to the icing to create different colors. If using liquid food color you may need to alter the thickness of the icing with less milk or more confectioners' sugar. For best results, use paste food coloring.

How should I store leftover icing?

Leftover icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Can I freeze 1-2-3 icing?

Yes, 1-2-3 icing can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and re-whip before using.

How should I apply the icing to a cake?

You can use a piping bag with different tips to pipe decorative designs onto cakes and cupcakes, or spread it with an offset spatula.

Can I add other flavorings to the icing?

You can add different flavorings such as citrus zest or espresso powder. Adjust the thickness of the icing if needed with more/less confectioners' sugar or milk.

How long does it take for the icing to set?

1-2-3 icing sets up fairly quickly at room temperature, but for intricate designs, allow it to fully dry before handling.

tools needed


Mixing Bowl: To combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk for the icing.

Electric Mixer: Used on low speed to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk.

Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.

Offset Spatula (optional): For spreading te icing on cakes or cupcakes.

Storage Container: If not using the icing immediately, a storage container will be needed to store any leftover icing.

what goes with it?


Freshly baked sugar cookies: an easy icing like this is the perfect finishing touch for classic sugar cookies.

Homemade cupcakes: use this simple decorator icing to add a swirl of sweetness to your cupcakes. The light vanilla flavor will enhance the taste of the cake without being too overpowering.

Fruit salad: drizzle a little of this icing over a bowl of fresh fruit for a sweet and creamy addition to your salad.

Coffee cake: spread this icing over a warm slice of coffee cake for a decadent treat.

Pancakes or waffles: use this icing in place of traditional syrup for a sweet and creamy topping on your breakfast favorites.


nutrition data

48 calories, 1 grams fat, 10 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in fat.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Gina REVIEW:

    I just tried this recipe and put it on a homemade cake. Fabulous! Super easy and I have some great ideas to make it in different flavors!

  2. neededit

    if you do 3 person serving thing, really? 6 CUPS of sugar i did 1 1/2 cups and it still was REALLY sweet. My daughters are going to have a sugar rush soon! but the frosting is still delicous

    • : The "serves/makes 1" for this recipe doesn't mean one serving, it means one batch since it isn't based on servings and actual servings will depend on how you use it (on a cake, on cupcakes, etc)

  3. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    Great! I added egg white to it and coca powder to make it chocolate.

  4. sy REVIEW:

    great recipe. super easy.

  5. Southern Mom REVIEW:

    Way to sweet! Added orange juice and more butter to take it down a notch.

  6. Emma REVIEW:

    This is the best frosting recipe I have ever stumble upon, and it was SO easy! I made a slight change though. I didn't have any milk so instead I used heavy cream. Delish! It tastes just like christmas cookie frosting!

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