The virtues of the sugarbomb that is icing has been appreciated in recipes since at least the 18th century and as an ingredient for finishing off cakes and other sweets since the 17th century. Fondant, its more pliable cousin, has been incorporated into recipes since the 16th century. Frosting, with its fluffier texture and opaque color, has been around since at least the 19th century. Cakes frosted in white icing were even fit for queens with Queen Victoria being the first monarch to indulge in an iced cake at her wedding, hence the name “royal icing.”
All three, fondant, icing, and frosting, include a base that is typically a liquid or semi-firm solid such as water, milk, egg whites, or cream cheese and the addition of sugar, usually either superfine, granulated, or confectioners’.
Each one has its virtues and is appreciated by professional home cooks and bakers for different reasons but no matter which one finds its way to your favorite pastry recipe, one thing is certain: All of them will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you with a sugar rush that is as addicting as it is fun to eat.
Frosting
Frosting is typically fluffier and thicker than its fondant or icing counterparts with an opaque color and stiff texture once it dries. Because butter is often added to a frosting recipe, it often has a rich, buttery flavor, but its base could also consist of cream cheese or heavy cream.
Sugar is also added to frosting and because the resulting texture is soft but firmer than icing, it stands up to being piped into shapes. Its solid characteristic also means that it can be used as the base for cake layers but it’s also dreamy in whipped form atop sweets like cupcakes or cookies.
Icing
Icing’s trademark characteristics are its glossiness and the way it languidly runs over the item being iced. It begins as a thick, creamy liquid but it hardens as it dries, making it both easy to apply as well as to serve. The first step to making an icing is to begin with a liquid base such as water or milk, although eggs, softened cream cheese, or melted butter are sometimes used.
Sugar is then added. Typically the sugar used is confectioners’ since it results in a silkier, glossier texture than granulated sugar. Sometimes colors are added before icing but it’s just as appealing in its snow white incarnation.
Fondant
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Fondant comes in two forms, poured and rolled. Like icing and frosting, it typically contains sugar, shortening, and a liquid, typically water. Corn syrup is added to poured fondant to create its glossy sheen and to facilitate the hardening that takes place when it’s drizzled over pastries, such as eclairs.
Rolled fondant can be used almost as a dough because the addition of gelatin causes it to solidify before it’s not poured or spread but instead wrapped around cakes and other pastries. Rolled fondant is a professional baker’s darling because its stiff texture enables it to be shaped into virtually any desired shape.
Fresh Apple Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Frosting and Caramel Sauce
This Heart Of Mine
There’s no other word to describe this gorgeous cake other than “masterpiece.” From its cozy autumn flavors to the way the stacked cake layers make your eyes pop, this beauty is a spectacular way to conclude a festive fall celebration. Whipping the frosting gives it an airy texture that creates a fluffy base for the spiced cake and the caramel sauce dripping lazily down the sides make it almost too good to be true. Get the recipe.
Chocolate Pecan Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting
Little Spice Jar
These indulgent cinnamon rolls are the only thing you’ll need to wake even the deepest sleeper in your household and entice them to the breakfast table. If the pecans were not enough, the chunky bits of chocolate that melt just so take these rolls to the next level. The homemade dough is not as challenging as it might seem but if you don’t have the time, swap pre-made dough but don’t skip the cream cheese frosting; it pulls everything together and adds just the right amount of tanginess. Get the recipe.
Chewy Lemon Cookies with Coconut Icing and Pistachios
Food Uzzi
There is no much happening in every bite of these frosted cookies but not enough to distract from their chewy texture and the little nubs of pistachios that add the ideal counterpoint to every tender bite. Lemon brightens everything up and if that weren’t enough, the silky coconut icing recalls your favorite beach holiday, if your holiday included cookies as masterful as these. Get the recipe.
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Icing
I Wash You Dry
This succulent bread will become your go-to fall favorite when you’re looking for a recipe that crosses the divide between breakfast and dessert. The maple icing drizzled atop the vibrant orange pumpkin slices tempt even the most vegetable-averse at your table. Vanilla and pumpkin pie spice round out a recipe that could be served for breakfast, for dessert, or a welcome afternoon snack after coming in from the cold on a chilly fall day. Get the recipe.
Sweet Sushi Mini Fondant Cakes
Manu’s Menu
Sushi is probably the last thing you consider when you think about fondant but never fear, these whimsical mini cakes have nothing to do with fish and everything to do with flavor and fun. Store-bought colored fondant, a little coconut and a few other ingredients, and a tremendous amount of creativity transform simple elements into something extraordinary. These are wonderful cakes to serve at your next party where ordinary doesn’t have a place at the table. Get the recipe.
These Peas Are Hollow
Elegant and flavorful all at the same time, this fondant cake dressed with a flourish of colorful autumn leaves drifting down along the sides is a treasure. The trick for shaping the delicate leaves is an egg carton that rounds each one out in an organic way reminiscent of how fall leaves break free from their branches and drift gracefully to the ground. Get the recipe.
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