Do you want to make your store bought icing fluffy? It’s so convenient to use a can of frosting. When it comes to cake decorating, store-bought icing is a great way to save time. However, it often lacks the fluffy, airy texture, and for me the flavor of homemade buttercream frosting.
The best part is with a few simple tweaks, you can transform your store-bought icing into a light and fluffy masterpiece. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy steps to achieve that perfect consistency.
Along with transforming this into a fluffier frosting, we have 21 ideas for you on how to take the canned stuff to the next level. With just a few simple steps, you can elevate store-bought icing to a whole new level of fluffiness. Whether you’re decorating cupcakes, cakes, or cookies, this enhanced icing will add a delightful touch to your homemade treats. Give it a try and enjoy the light, airy texture that will impress everyone who tastes your creations.
Table of contents
How to Make Store Bought Icing Fluffy
Here is an easy way to change the texture of the frosting.
Tips for Perfect Fluffy Icing
Temperature Matters: Make sure the icing is at room temperature before you start whipping. Cold icing can be too stiff and difficult to work with.
Don’t Overdo It: While adding cream and sugar can help, too much can make the icing too soft or too sweet. Add these ingredients gradually.
Use the Right Tools: An electric mixer is crucial for incorporating air into the icing. A stand mixer works best, but a handheld mixer will do the job too.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need:
Store-bought icing: Any brand or flavor you prefer.
Electric mixer: Handheld or stand mixer.
Mixing bowl: Large enough to accommodate the icing.
Powdered sugar: For added volume and sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream: To lighten the texture.
Pure Vanilla extract (optional): For added flavor.
Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Take the store-bought icing out of the container and place it in a large mixing bowl. Allow it to come to room temperature if it has been refrigerated.
Using your electric mixer, beat the icing on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. This initial whipping will start to aerate the icing and make it slightly fluffier.
Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to the icing. Continue to beat on medium-high speed. The cream will help to lighten the texture and add volume. Add more cream if needed, but do so slowly to avoid making the icing too runny.
If the icing is still not as fluffy as you’d like, you can add a small amount of powdered sugar. Start with 1/4 cup and beat until well combined. The powdered sugar will not only add volume but also stabilize the frosting.
Flavor Boost (Optional):
For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or any other flavoring of your choice. Beat the icing until the flavoring is mixed in.
Continue to beat the icing on high speed for another 2-3 minutes. The goal is to incorporate as much air as possible to achieve a light and fluffy consistency.
Occasionally stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
Adjust Consistency:
If the icing is too thick, add a little more heavy whipping cream. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Adjust until you reach the desired consistency.
25 Easy Ways to Make Canned Frosting Better
Store-bought frosting can save the day when you’re short on time, but its texture, consistency, and flavor often leave something to be desired. Here are 21 easy ways to improve your canned frosting and make it taste like homemade frosting.
Whip It
Simply whipping store-bought frosting can make it taste more homemade. Use an electric mixer to aerate the frosting and make it fluffier. Whip the frosting with a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment for 3 minutes to make it fluffy.
Gel Food Coloring
A great option to change the color is to add gel food coloring to vanilla frosting. You can create vibrant colors without altering the texture.
Add Mix-Ins
Adding additional ingredients to frosting purchased at the grocery store can boost flavor, crunch, or color by mixing in various ingredients.
Cream Cheese
Mix in an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese for a creamier texture and to balance the sweetness.
Peanut Butter
Change the frosting taste and texture. For a creamy, flavorful twist, add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter or any nut/seed butter to chocolate or vanilla frosting.
Heavy Whipping Cream
Add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream at a time to make the frosting fluffier. If it gets too runny, balance it out with powdered sugar.
Whipped Cream
Fold in homemade whipped cream (not canned) to your frosting in equal parts for a richer, airy texture.
Powdered Sugar
Thicken your frosting for piping by adding powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Coconut Milk
For a dairy-free option, mix 1 tablespoon of full-fat coconut milk into vegan store-bought frosting to make it creamier.
Citrus Zest
Add 1 tablespoon of grated orange or lemon zest to enhance the flavor and reduce sweetness.
Cocoa Powder
Amp up chocolate frosting by mixing in cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Nutella
Mix in ½ cup of Nutella to chocolate frosting for a delicious hazelnut twist.
Flavored Syrups
Mix in 1 teaspoon of flavored syrup (cherry, raspberry, toffee nut) to add extra flavor.
Extracts
Use extracts to change the flavor profile. Mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract.
Freeze-Dried Fruit Powder
Mix in 1 cup of ground freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries for color and flavor.
Jams or Preserves
Add 1 tablespoon of fruit jams or preserves at a time for a light pastel hue and added flavor.
Jell-O Powder
Mix in 2 tablespoons of Jell-O powder to add both color and flavor.
Crushed Nuts
Stir in ½ to 1 cup of toasted and finely chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, walnuts) for added crunch.
Colorful Sprinkles
For confetti frosting, stir in ¼ to ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles.
Shredded Coconut
Add ½ to 1 cup of shredded coconut for great texture and a hint of flavor.
Make It Less Sweet
Add Salt
Mix in a pinch of salt to ⅛ teaspoon of salt to curb sweetness. Add more for a saltier bite.
Lemon Juice
Add a drop of lemon juice to tame the sweetness without altering the flavor.
Adding Chocolate Chips to Canned Frosting
Adding mini chocolate chips can provide a delightful texture and extra chocolate flavor.
Use mini chocolate chips, as regular-sized ones might be too large and disrupt the frosting’s smoothness.
Mix Them In: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the frosting. Use a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Melted Chocolate Chips for a Smoother Texture
Incorporating melted chocolate chips can enhance the frosting’s flavor and give it a rich, smooth texture.
Melt the Chocolate Chips: Place 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Cool Slightly: Let the melted chocolate cool for a few minutes. It should be warm but not hot, as too much heat can melt the frosting.
Mix with Frosting: Add the melted chocolate to the store-bought frosting. Use a hand mixer to blend until well combined. This will give the frosting a richer chocolate flavor and a smooth, luscious texture.
Change up the Flavor with Chocolate Chips
Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips
Using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can help balance the sweetness of the store-bought frosting.
White Chocolate Chips
For a sweeter and creamier twist, white chocolate chips work well.
Tips for Incorporating Chocolate Chips
Consistency Check: After adding melted chocolate, check the consistency of the frosting. If it becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Flavor Balancing: Adding a pinch of salt or a drop of vanilla extract can help balance the flavors and enhance the chocolate taste.
Temperature: Ensure the melted chocolate is not too hot before mixing to avoid melting the frosting.
Store-bought icing is easy and convenient to use for desserts. It’s easy to improve its creaminess, consistency, texture, flavor, and color just by adding different ingredients.
