How to Harden Store-Bought Frosting: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever found yourself in a predicament where you need a firm and hardened frosting, but only had store-bought frosting on hand? This article will guide you through the process of hardening your frosting, whether you want to experiment with confectioner's sugar or explore the realm of royal icing. Learn the best techniques and recipes to achieve the perfect consistency for your dessert decorations.

Adding Confectioner's Sugar to Store-Bought Frosting

Yes, you can definitely add confectioner's sugar to store-bought frosting to make it harden. Here's a step-by-step process on how to do it:

Choose your store-bought frosting of preference and empty it into a mixing bowl.

Gradually add confectioner's sugar to the frosting, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while stirring.

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to mix the frosting and confectioner's sugar together until you achieve the desired consistency.

Continue adding confectioner's sugar and mixing until the frosting starts to harden to your liking.

Once hardened, use the frosting to decorate your cakes or cookies.

Remember, adding confectioner's sugar may alter the taste and sweetness of the frosting, so taste and adjust as necessary.

Alternatives: Royal Icing

For a frosting that sets hard and shiny, you may want to consider making royal icing. Here’s a recipe:

Mix confectioner's sugar and egg whites (use powdered egg whites for safety).

Gradually add the egg whites to the confectioner's sugar, mixing until a stiff consistency is achieved.

Let the icing sit for a while to set, or use it immediately for decorations.

While royal icing hardens significantly, be mindful that the added ingredients will change the texture and taste compared to regular store-bought frosting.

Why Adding Confectioner's Sugar May Not Be Enough

Adding confectioner's sugar might not be sufficient to harden store-bought frosting, especially if it is already heavily processed with stabilizers and other additives. The texture and consistency of store-bought frosting are primarily influenced by these additives.

Truly speaking, it may not help in hardening. It may sweeten a lot, but not much change in texture is anticipated when adding confectioner's sugar to a readymade frosting. There are too many things already added to harden the frosting, and adding sugar may not affect hardening any more.

Customizing Your Icing at Home

For a customizable and firm icing at home, consider this recipe:

Melt 1/2 cup of butter and mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 3 tbsp of milk.

To make it firmer, add more butter. For a softer glaze, leave the butter out.

This method won't yield a completely stiff icing but is easier and safer than using royal icing.

Resources for More Help

How to Pipe Canned Frosting - Katies Cucina

How to Make Store Bought Frosting Better - Wilton

How To Make Store-Bought Frosting Better

For more tips and tricks on working with frosting, these resources offer valuable insights and tutorials.