A cake just isn't a cake without frosting. Not only does it taste oh so good, it also keeps the cake nice and moist. Here are some recipes I'd like to share.
Chocolate Buttercream FrostingAllergy Note: contains dairy1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
5 to 6 Tbsp. warm milk
Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 Tbsp. butter, mix until smooth. Pour into a large mixing bowl and allow to cool. Add in the remaining butter, vanilla extract and salt. Sift together confectioner's sugar and cocoa powder. Alternate adding the cocoa confectioner's sugar with the warm milk. Beat until smooth.
Cream Cheese Frosting Alllergy Note: contains dairy ingredientsthis is perfect for red velvet cake, carrot cake, even chocolate cake
8 oz. bar cream cheese, cold
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened to room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon extract (optional)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, measure then sift
With the mixer on a low speed, beat the cream cheese and butter till blended. Mix in vanilla and lemon extracts. Slowly add the powdered sugar, a cup at a time. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase to a higher speed to whip up the frosting till light and fluffy.
Stabilized Whipped Cream FrostingAllergy Note: contains dairy ingredientsI like using this frosting for tiramisu, fresh fruit cake and any other dessert that uses whipped cream.
4 Tbsp. water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (1/4 ounce or 7.2 grams)
2 cups whipping cream, cold
1 8-ounce tub whipped cream cheese, room temperature *
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
*you can use regular cream cheese as a substitute; just whip it up before using it to prevent lumps.
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the water. Let the gelatin bloom for a few minutes (it will absorb some water and swell up a bit). Add 1/4 cup of the whipping cream and microwave for a minute or until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Set aside.
Combine the whipped cream cheese, whipping cream, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Whip to soft peak stage. Add gelatin mixture and vanilla. Continue to whip to stiff peaks.
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