Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.


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.
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
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.
Christine Gable, CDKitchen Staff
Read more: Bunny Cakes & Buttercream Roses
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.
You can use margarine as a substitute for butter in the icing, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
If you don't have vanilla extract, you can use other flavor extracts such as almond or lemon for a different flavor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can use a piping bag with different tips to pipe decorative designs onto cakes and cupcakes, or spread it with an offset spatula.
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.
1-2-3 icing sets up fairly quickly at room temperature, but for intricate designs, allow it to fully dry before handling.
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.
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.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
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reviews & comments
January 15, 2011
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!
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)
September 21, 2009
Great! I added egg white to it and coca powder to make it chocolate.
August 25, 2009
great recipe. super easy.
January 6, 2009
Way to sweet! Added orange juice and more butter to take it down a notch.
November 30, 2008
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!