Icing (food)

This cake has an icing made with sour cream.

Icing (also frosting) is a sweet glaze made of sugar, butter, water, and egg whites or milk, often flavoured and cooked and used to cover or decorate baked goods, such as cakes or cookies. Those seeking to reduce the fat or sugar content of a dessert will sometimes eat it with the icing removed, as it tends to contain much of this content.

Some icing can be made using confectioner's sugar. Chef's color dye (food coloring) is commonly added as to achieve the desired color. Icing can be formed into shapes like flowers and leaves using a pastry bag. Such decorations commonly grace birthday and wedding cakes.Some icings can be made from combinations of sugar and cream cheeses. These are also used for cakes. Icing can be applied with a utensil such as a knife or frosting spatula, or it can be applied by drizzling or dipping (see glaze).

See also

*Royal icing
*Fondant
*Butter cream