How to add flavor to frosting
Once you know how to make icing from scratch, try incorporate these flavorings for a spin on traditional vanilla buttercream frosting:
Almond: Substitute 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for the vanilla. Garnish frosted cake or cupcakes with toasted sliced almonds.
Milk Chocolate: Melt 1 cup milk chocolate pieces; cool. Beat chocolate into the butter before adding the powdered sugar.
Strawberry: Beat 1/3 cup strawberry jam into the butter before adding the powdered sugar.
Spice: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice with the powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter: Beat 1/2 cup peanut butter into the butter before adding the powdered sugar. Garnish frosted cake or cupcakes with chopped peanuts.
Irish Cream: Substitute Irish cream liqueur for the milk.
Peppermint: Substitute 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract for the vanilla; tint with red food coloring, if desired. Top garnished cake or cupcakes with peppermint candies.
Dark Chocolate: Substitute 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar.
Coffee: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or coffee crystals, or substitute brewed coffee for the milk.
Citrus: Substitute lemon or orange juice for the milk; stir 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon or orange peel into the finished frosting. Garnish frosted cake or cupcakes with thin strips of lemon or orange peel.