Icing is an essential component of many baked goods like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It adds flavor, moisture, and visual appeal to treats that would otherwise be plain. While making icing from scratch can be rewarding, it’s also time-consuming and requires several specialty ingredients. Fortunately, store-bought icing provides a convenient shortcut for adding gourmet flair to your baked goods. This article will explore everything you need to know about making store-bought icing, from types and brands to preparation methods and decorating techniques.
Types of Store-Bought Icing
There are several major types of store-bought icing to choose from:
- Cream cheese icing – This rich, tangy icing is ideal for cupcakes and carrot cakes. Brands like Philadelphia offer it in vanilla and chocolate flavors.
- Buttercream icing – With its light, fluffy texture, buttercream works well for frosting cakes and piping decorations. You can find it in vanilla, chocolate, and other flavors.
- Fondant icing – Extremely versatile for decorating, this pliable icing can easily be shaped, layered, and textured. It’s available in white, chocolate, and marshmallow flavors.
- Ganache icing – For a decadent, fudgy icing that’s perfect for chocolate cakes, look for ready-made ganache sold in tubs.
- Royal icing – This glossy, hard icing is ideal for decorating sugar cookies. Brands like Wilton offer it in colors perfect for decoration.
- Whipped icing – With its light, fluffy texture, whipped icing is great for topping cupcakes and desserts. You can find it in vanilla, chocolate, and seasonal flavors.
Be sure to read icing labels closely to understand the intended use and flavor profile of each type. Consider your particular baking needs and the visual effect you want before selecting a ready-made icing variety.
Popular Store-Bought Icing Brands
Today’s supermarket shelves offer icing options from many major brands:
- Duncan Hines – Known for cake mixes, Duncan Hines also produces ready-made cream cheese and chocolate fudge icing.
- Pillsbury – You can purchase Pillsbury cream cheese and fluffy vanilla or chocolate whipped icings.
- Betty Crocker – This brand offers Whipped and cream cheese icing varieties, alongside complete frosting kits.
- Wilton – For decorating, Wilton has an extensive selection of ready-made royal, fondant, and buttercream icing.
- Cake Mate – Find flavorful buttercream, whipped, cream cheese, and choco-pan icings under the Cake Mate name.
- Bakell – Specializing in gel-based icings, Bakell sells lustrous buttercream and fruit-flavored selections.
Some premium or boutique bakery brands also offer icing in unique flavors like salted caramel, lemon curd, and mocha. Shopping around helps you find the perfect ready-made icing to suit your needs and taste.
How to Prepare Store-Bought Icing
Working with store-bought icing is simple. Just follow these preparation tips:
- Read the package instructions. Some icings may require refrigeration or softening beforehand.
- Stir the icing first. This ensures any separation is corrected before use.
- Consider adding extra flavor. You can enhance icing with extracts, food coloring, citrus zest, etc.
- Adjust the consistency. Add a splash of milk or water if icing is too thick for spreading or piping.
- Fill a piping bag. For decoration, transfer icing to a bag fitted with the desired tip.
- Use proper utensils. Choose silicone spatulas and bowls that won’t react with icing ingredients.
Proper preparation helps ready-made icing keep its texture and optimal taste. Don’t skip key steps like stirring and consistency adjustments.
Softening Refrigerated Icing
Many cream cheese, ganache, and whipped icing varieties require refrigeration. When working with chilled icings:
- Check the package for microwave instructions, usually 20-30 seconds on low.
- Let the tub sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to soften.
- Stir vigorously by hand using a silicone spatula or whisk.
- Avoid over-softening icing or letting it sit too long at room temperature.
Take care when softening refrigerated icings – you want to reach an ideal spreading or piping consistency without compromising stability.
How to Use Store-Bought Icing
Once your icing is prepared, it’s time to put it to use. Follow these tips:
Cake Icing
- Place cake on a turntable or cake stand for easier icing.
- Use an icing spatula to apply a thin “crumb coat” of icing first.
- Chill cake 30 minutes so crumb coat hardens before adding more icing.
- Smooth on icing in even layers, working around the cake.
- Add decorative piping or textures as desired.
- Store iced cakes covered at room temperature up to 2 days.
Cupcakes and Cookies
- Ice cupcakes with a knife, spatula, or piping bag.
- Decorate cookies by spreading icing with a knife or piping details.
- Chill iced cupcakes and cookies about 30 minutes to set icing.
- Display on platters or arrange in gift boxes or bags.
- Cover leftovers but avoid refrigerating, which can affect icing.
Decorating and Piping
- Practice piping techniques on parchment first to perfect pressure and coordination.
- Insert piping tip at least 1/2 inch into bag and twist bag closed above it.
- Pipe borders, rosettes, dots, and writing by squeezing and moving bag.
- Clean up piping tips promptly in warm soapy water.
- Use small paintbrushes for touch-ups and added details.
With practice and creativity, ready-made icings can help you achieve beautiful decorating effects.
Troubleshooting Store-Bought Icing Issues
Even with ready-made icing, challenges can occasionally arise. Here are some common issues and fixes:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Thin, runny consistency | Chill briefly or stir in more powdered sugar to thicken. |
| Grainy texture | Sift out lumps, then stir vigorously or use electric mixer. |
| Cracked appearance | Smooth with icing spatula dipped in milk or use buttercream instead. |
| Dried out | Stir in milk or water to reconstitute to creamy texture. |
| Mold growth | Discard icing. Refrigerate unused portions promptly in airtight containers. |
Catching and quickly correcting any icing imperfections will help you salvage your treats. Be diligent about proper storage of unused icing too.
Storing Leftover Store-Bought Icing
Benefit from your time investment in ready-made icing by storing what you don’t use:
- Refrigerate perishable cream cheese, whipped, and ganache icings.
- Store at room temperature durable buttercream, fondant, and royal icing.
- Seal icings airtight in jars, bags, or plastic containers.
- Label and date icings to track freshness. Use refrigerated type within 3-5 days.
- Restore stale icing softness and moisture by stirring in milk or water before reusing.
With proper storage methods, you can get multiple uses from one batch of store-bought icing.
Decorating Ideas Using Store-Bought Icing
You’re limited only by your creativity when it comes to decorating with ready-made icing. Consider these fun ideas:
Seasonal Themes
- Shamrock piped cookies for St. Patrick’s Day
- Patriotic icing stripes and stars for July 4th
- Orange and black Halloween icing accents
- Trees, snowflakes and red icing for Christmas
Kids’ Party Designs
- Superhero logos and colors
- Unicorns, rainbows and clouds
- Sports team names and mascots
- Purple and green dinosaur patterns
Wedding Ideas
- Flowers, names, and dates iced in elaborate script
- Monogrammed cookies
- Ombre ruffle effects
- Pearled borders on cakes
Garnish your iced treats with edible sparkles, sprinkles, nuts, cookie crumbs, coconut, and fresh fruit to take the designs up a notch!
Conclusion
With an endless flavor selection and so many brands to choose from, store-bought icing makes baking projects much more manageable. Consider the icing characteristics and preparation requirements, troubleshoot any consistency or texture issues promptly, and get creative with decorating to take your treats to the next level. With ready-made icing, beautiful baked goods are just a few simple steps away.
