What's the Difference Between Frosting and Vanilla Icing?

When it comes to decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods, frosting and icing are two terms that are often used interchangeably, But understanding the difference between these two can make a big impact on your baking and decorating success. What’s the Difference Between Frosting and Vanilla Icing? Whether you’re making a rich, fluffy frosting to coat a cake or a smooth, glossy icing to decorate cookies, knowing which to use is key.

In this article, we will break down the key differences between frosting and icing, explain when to use each one, and offer tips on how to make both. For more insights, check out Martha Stewart’s guide to frosting and icing and King Arthur Baking’s royal icing recipe.

What is Frosting?

Frosting is a thick, fluffy topping that’s commonly used to coat cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. It’s typically made with butter, sugar, and a small amount of liquid like milk or cream, which helps achieve a creamy consistency. Frosting can be spread generously over cakes, piped into intricate designs, or used as a filling between layers.

Key Characteristics of Frosting

Texture: Thick and spreadable, often fluffy and creamy.
Uses: Ideal for covering cakes, layering between cake tiers, and topping cupcakes.
Common Types:
- American Buttercream: The classic choice, known for its rich and sweet flavor.
- Swiss Meringue Buttercream: A lighter, silkier option, made with egg whites and butter.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy and smooth, perfect for pairing with carrot cake.
Flavor: Sweet with a buttery taste, often flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or fruit extracts.

Frosting is versatile and can be made in different textures depending on the type you choose. If you want to learn how to make a perfect buttercream frosting, check out Epicurious’s guide to buttercream frosting.

What is Icing?

Icing is thinner and glossier than frosting, often used as a glaze for cakes, cookies, and pastries. It’s made with confectioners’ sugar, water, and sometimes flavorings like vanilla or citrus juice. Icing is ideal for creating a smooth, shiny finish on your baked goods, and it sets quickly as it dries.

Key Characteristics of Icing

Texture: Thin and glossy, often fluid enough to pour or drizzle.
Uses: Perfect for glazing cakes, decorating cookies, or adding a delicate finish to pastries.
Common Types:
- Royal Icing: Made with egg whites or meringue powder, this icing is ideal for piping fine details or creating intricate decorations.
- Glaze Icing: A simple mixture of powdered sugar and water, great for lightly coating cookies or cakes.
- Pourable Icing: Used to glaze donuts, cakes, or pastries, giving them a smooth and shiny finish.
Flavor: Light and sweet, often with a slight vanilla or citrus flavor.

Royal icing, in particular, is perfect for piping fine details on cookies, such as flowers or intricate designs. For a step-by-step guide, check out King Arthur Baking’s royal icing recipe.

What’s the Difference Between Frosting and Vanilla Icing? Key Differences:

When you’re baking, one of the most common questions you’ll come across is: What’s the difference between frosting and icing? While they may look similar and sometimes even taste alike, there are several key differences between the two that are important to understand. These differences come down to texture, usage, drying time, and appearance. Let’s break them down to help you make the best choice for your next baking project.

1. Texture: Thicker vs. Thinner

The most noticeable difference between frosting and icing is their texture.

Frosting is much thicker and creamier than icing. This thicker consistency makes it perfect for spreading generously over cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. It holds its shape well, which is why it’s often used for intricate piping designs, rosettes, or other decorative details on cakes. Because it’s easy to pipe, frosting is also the preferred choice for creating eye-catching designs like flowers or borders on cakes.
Icing, on the other hand, is thinner and more fluid. This makes it ideal for glazing or covering surfaces that don’t require as much volume. For example, icing is often used to coat cookies or to create a smooth, glossy finish over pastries like donuts or bundt cakes. The thin consistency of icing makes it the perfect choice when you want to achieve a delicate, shiny coating rather than a thick, fluffy layer.

2. Usage: Decorating vs. Glazing

The way you use frosting versus icing also plays a big role in deciding which one to choose. While both serve decorative and functional purposes, their ideal uses differ.

Frosting is typically used for covering entire cakes, cupcakes, and other large baked goods. It’s perfect for creating rich, flavorful layers between cake tiers or for topping cupcakes with generous swirls. If you’re looking to create a visually appealing cake with lots of texture, frosting is the go-to choice. Whether you’re baking a simple birthday cake or a more elaborate cake with intricate designs, frosting can provide the coverage and design versatility you need.
Icing, in contrast, is generally used for glazing and adding a smooth, shiny finish. It’s commonly used on cookies and pastries, especially when you want a sleek, polished look. Royal icing, a specific type of icing, is often used for decorating cookies with intricate details, such as creating borders or fine patterns. If you’re looking for something that’s simple yet elegant, or you need to coat cookies with a smooth, even glaze, icing is the better option.

3. Drying Time: Soft vs. Hard

Another important difference is how each one dries after being applied.

Frosting does not dry out completely. Once applied to cakes or cupcakes, frosting retains its soft, creamy texture. This is part of what makes it so delicious, as it adds richness and moisture to your baked goods. However, since frosting stays soft, it’s not ideal for creating hard, durable layers or detailed decorations that need to set firmly.
Icing, on the other hand, hardens as it dries. This is especially true for royal icing, which dries into a firm, glossy finish. The fast-drying nature of icing makes it ideal for decorating cookies, as it allows you to stack or transport them without worrying about smudging or ruining the designs. This quick-setting feature also makes icing perfect for creating shiny, smooth finishes on pastries like donuts or cakes.

4. Appearance: Opaque vs. Translucent

The appearance of frosting and icing differs greatly, and this can affect the overall look of your baked goods.

Frosting is usually opaque, giving it a soft, matte, or sometimes soft glossy finish. It can be whipped to a light, airy texture, or it can be thick and smooth. Depending on the recipe, frosting can have a more subtle shine or remain completely matte. For cakes with a soft, comforting look, frosting provides a cozy, inviting appearance.
Icing, on the other hand, is typically translucent and provides a shiny, smooth coat that dries hard. This glossy finish is perfect for desserts that need a polished, professional look. Whether you’re glazing a fruitcake or decorating sugar cookies, icing offers a sleek finish that shines and reflects light, giving your treats an elegant touch.

When to Use Frosting vs. Icing

Choosing between frosting and icing often depends on the specific dessert you’re preparing and the kind of finish you want to achieve. While they may seem similar at first glance, they are actually quite different in terms of texture, consistency, and purpose. Here’s a more detailed breakdown to help you make the right decision for your next baking project.

Use Frosting For:

Layered Cakes: Frosting is the go-to choice for spreading between cake layers and covering the entire cake. Its thick, creamy texture allows for a smooth, rich finish. Whether you’re making a classic vanilla cake or a decadent chocolate cake, frosting helps to seal in moisture and provides that deliciously smooth exterior. For a perfect pairing, you can try our guide to the perfect chocolate cake with vanilla frosting, which offers a wonderful balance of rich cake and smooth frosting.
Cupcakes: When decorating cupcakes, frosting is ideal for topping with a generous swirl or intricate piping. The thicker consistency holds its shape better, allowing for beautiful decorative effects. Whether you’re making vanilla, chocolate, or even red velvet cupcakes, a dollop of frosting adds flavor, texture, and a beautiful aesthetic. If you’re interested in perfecting your cupcake frosting skills, consider exploring our guide to chocolate and vanilla cakes, where we dive deep into cake and frosting combinations.
Intricate Cake Designs: For more detailed designs, frosting is the best choice. It’s ideal for piping delicate flowers, rosettes, and other intricate decorations. Whether you’re designing a birthday cake or a wedding cake, frosting gives you the control and texture you need for professional-level cake designs. Learn how to elevate your cake decorations with frosting in our article on cake frosting tips.

Use Icing For:

Cookies: Royal icing, a specific type of icing, is perfect for decorating cookies, especially when you want to achieve fine details and intricate designs. It dries hard, providing a smooth surface that holds up well during handling and transport. This makes it an excellent choice for decorating sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and other treats that require precision and elegance. If you’re a cookie decorator, be sure to read about royal icing techniques in our guide to decorating cookies.
Pastries: Icing is ideal for glazing pastries such as donuts, cakes, and Danish pastries. It’s thin and glossy, allowing it to seamlessly coat the surface of the pastry, giving it a beautiful, shiny finish. If you’re looking to add that perfect finishing touch to pastries, you can check out our post on how to achieve a flawless glaze for cakes and pastries.
Simple Glazing: When you want a light, delicate glaze on your baked goods, such as on a fruit cake or bundt cake, icing is the way to go. The thinner consistency of icing provides a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor of the cake without overwhelming it. For more tips on glazing bundt cakes, visit our ultimate guide to carrot bundt cakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While both frosting and icing are easy to make, here are a few common mistakes to avoid when preparing them:

Over-whipping Frosting: Over-beating your frosting can cause it to become too airy or grainy. Aim for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Icing Too Thin or Thick: If your icing is too runny, it won’t set properly. If it’s too thick, it might be difficult to spread or drizzle. Adjust with small amounts of liquid or powdered sugar as needed.
Choosing the Wrong Type: Don’t use frosting for delicate piping work or glazing; use icing instead. Likewise, don’t use icing when you need a strong layer of coverage for a cake.

FAQs

What is the main difference between frosting and icing?

The main difference is that frosting is thicker and creamier, making it perfect for spreading and piping onto cakes and cupcakes. Icing, on the other hand, is thinner, glossier, and typically used for glazing or decorating cookies.

Can I use frosting as a glaze?

While frosting is generally too thick for glazing, you can thin it out with a bit of milk or cream to create a glaze-like consistency if necessary. This can work for cakes or pastries that require a thicker glaze.

Is royal icing the same as vanilla icing?

No, royal icing is made with egg whites or meringue powder and hardens when it dries, making it ideal for detailed cookie decorations. Vanilla icing, however, is typically a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and vanilla flavor, which doesn’t harden as much.

Can you use icing for cupcakes?

Yes, icing can be used for cupcakes, though it’s generally more suitable for glazing or delicate designs. For a thicker, more substantial topping, frosting is usually the better choice.

Can I make icing with butter instead of water?

While traditional icing recipes use water, you can make a buttercream version by substituting butter for a richer, smoother texture. This version will be thicker and more similar to frosting but with a softer finish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you choose frosting or icing depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for a thick, creamy topping for cakes, cupcakes, and intricate designs, frosting is your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a smooth, glossy finish for cookies, pastries, or simple glazing, icing is the way to go. Understanding the differences between the two can help you elevate your baking and achieve the perfect look and taste every time.