Last Updated on February 13, 2023
Today, we’re going to be taking a look at how to thicken frosting with cornstarch, and the easy ways in which you can do this. Cornstarch is a great alternative to using flour for thickening. Let’s take a closer look.
How to Thicken Frosting With Cornstarch
Cornstarch is one of the best ways to thicken your frosting without altering the flavor. You’ll also notice that in confectioners’ sugar, cornstarch is usually an ingredient in it. This is to avoid any lumps in your frosting/icing.
To thicken frosting with cornstarch, all you need to do is:
Add your cornstarch in around 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water. Mix well to create a slurry. And then add to your icing or frosting. Leave the frosting to thicken for a few minutes, and your thick frosting is now ready.
How to Fix Runny Frosting
If you’re looking for ways to fix runny frosting, you can use a range of ingredients. However, it all depends on the frosting you’re wanting to fix.
If you’re fixing runny icing, the easiest ways are:
- confectioners’ sugar. Add a tablespoon of a time to your icing. Mix well before you decide to add more sugar.
- corn starch. Add around half a teaspoon at a time to your icing. You don’t want the royal icing to be too thick, so only add small amounts of cornstarch at a time.
- time. Place your icing into the fridge. Chill time helps the icing to firm up.
If you’re fixing runny buttercream, the easiest ways are:
- confectioners’ sugar. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to your frosting. Be sure to sift it before you add it to your frosting. Mix well, and check the consistency before you add any more.
- time. Much like royal icing, you can also put buttercream into the fridge to chill. If you leave it for a few hours, it’ll thicken on its own.
Alternatives to Cornstarch to Thicken Frosting
Many alternatives to cornstarch help to thicken your cornstarch. Let’s take a look at the most common ingredients to add.
- Powdered Sugar. Start with a tablespoon at a time. Be sure to sift any sugar before you add it. Adding too much sugar can alter the taste, so you may need a small amount of salt to neutralize the sweetness. If you find you added too much sugar, you can add a few drops of milk.
- Whipping Cream. You can add whipping cream, but be sure not to add too much. Don’t add more than 1/4 cup of cream, per batch of frosting.
- Cream Cheese. If you’re looking for a way to make your frosting thicker, but less sweet, cream cheese is the choice for you. It adds richness and tang, without altering the flavor too much. Add a tablespoon at a time, until you’re happy with the consistency.
- Butter. Soften your butter before adding it, and only add a tablespoon at a time. This will ensure you have thick frosting.
- Flour. Much like confectioners’ sugar, you should sift flour before adding it to your frosting. Only add a tablespoon at a time to your frosting.
- Cocoa Powder. Like cream cheese, cocoa powder is another way to make your frosting less sweet. You’ll only need around a tablespoon and it’ll make your frosting taste even more homemade.
- Meringue Powder. Meringue powder is a baking staple for many, and you only need to add around a tablespoon to thicken your frosting.
Thick Frosting Recipe With Cornstarch
To make a thick frosting with cornstarch from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of white sugar
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Now all you need to do is:
- Grab a bowl and add the following ingredients: flour, salt, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well, and then gradually add the milk.
- Once smooth, strain your frosting and add the mixture to a pan, over medium heat. Heat for around 5-8 minutes, stirring throughout; at this point, it should be boiling. Remove from heat and leave to completely cool.
- Once cool, add vanilla extract and beat for around 30-60 seconds. Gradually add the butter; beating as you add it. After a few minutes, the frosting should be fluffy and airy.
- Chill your frosting for around an hour in the fridge before using, it to help firm it up. Serve and enjoy!
Will Cream of Tartar Thicken Frosting?
Absolutely. Cream of tartar is a powdery, crystalline compound that is made by reacting tartaric acid with potassium hydroxide. The reaction produces a white or yellowish fine powder. Cream of tartar can be used to thicken icing and frosting. Reference: does cream of tartar stiffen frosting?
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped you to become more familiar with how to thicken frosting with cornstarch. It’s super easy to do, and there are many substitutes to use if you don’t want to use cornstarch. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to thickening frosting with cornstarch? If so, please let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
Watch this video:
Thick Frosting Recipe With Cornstarch
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grab a bowl and add the following ingredients: flour, salt, sugar and cornstarch. Mix well, and then gradually add the milk.
- Once smooth, strain your frosting and add the mixture to a pan, over a medium heat. Heat for around 5-8 minutes, stirring throughout; at this point it should be boiling. Remove from heat and leave to completely cool.
- Once cool, add vanilla extract and beat for around 30-60 seconds. Gradually add the butter; beating as you add it. After a few minutes, the frosting should be fluffy and airy.
- Chill your frosting for around an hour in the fridge before using, to help firm it up. Serve and enjoy!
Related Tags
- cornstarch icing recipe
- buttercream frosting with cornstarch
- how to thicken icing without cornstarch
- how to thicken cream cheese frosting with cornstarch
- how to thicken icing sugar
