Desserts like cakes and cupcakes are not the same without frosting. That is why it is best to know how to thin store-bought frosting. Store-bought buttercream is a thick frosting that remains soft after frosting it. It is also made from a base of cream, powdered sugar, and butter. Also, it is commonly utilized for cakes and occasionally cookies. However, store-bought buttercream frosting can be too thick if you make it in cold weather or beat it excessively. Because of that, you can thin the store-bought buttercream frosting by whipping extra cream or milk a teaspoon at a time till the frosting reached the proper consistency.
Table of Contents
Tips on How to Thin Store-Bought Frosting
1. Use Hot Water
Knowing how to thin the store-bought frosting, especially cream cheese frosting, is essential. Start by pouring a little amount of hot water into the bottom of a mixing bowl. Keep in mind to choose a bowl that is a bit larger than the bowl the frosting is placed. With that, make sure to gently lower the frosting bowl into the bowl with hot water.
Moreover, ensure that the hot water does not overflow into the frosting. Likewise, stir the frosting constantly while pressing it to the mixing bowl’s sides till the ingredients thin the frosting. As a result, the decadent store-bought cream cheese frosting can come out thin if the cream cheese is completely softened before combining it with the recipe.
U-Taste Measuring Cups and Spoons Set (10 Pieces)
2. Add Whole Milk
Usually, you can gradually add more of the recipe’s liquid to make the frosting thinner. However, when thinning a store-bought frosting, you need to whisk whole milk then add a teaspoon at a time till you attain the correct consistency of the frosting. You can also use coconut, almond, and soy, or any other milk type as a dietary alternative if needed.
Try out these easy frosting recipes:
Tips to Make Store-Bought Frosting Better and More Flavorful
Add Cream Cheese
Put cream cheese to your store-bought frosting. Doing this will give it a creamy and more decadent flavor. Add approximately eight ounces of cream cheese and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Remember, if the frosting has cream cheese, you need to refrigerate it.
Additionally, you can add about two tablespoons of flavored coffee syrups and one-fourth cup of espresso or strong coffee to the store-bought frosting to make it even tastier. Also, you can put a teaspoon of vanilla extract, which will add volume. Likewise, it works with any store-bought frosting flavor.
You can also put almond, lemon, peppermint, orange, or any other extract that suits the recipe you are using for your cake or cupcake. In addition to that, if you are using store-bought white frosting, you can add dry Jell-O powder.
Mix-Ins For Consistency
The easiest way to create a cake frosting is by using store-bought frosting. For this reason, start by scraping the frosting in a mixing bowl and stir it till it is creamy and smooth. Then, you can add the mix-ins bit by bit and adjust the flavor. With that, stir in half to a cup of sprinkles, toffee bits, chopped nuts, sweetened flaked coconut, or chocolate chips as mix-ins for texture.
However, keep in mind that these flavorful mix-ins may be chunky or too thick to spread for the cake. That is why it is best to beat the store-bought frosting with a stand or hand mixer till it becomes fluffy and light. Afterward, fold in smooth additions using a spatula.
Adding Smooth Additions
Beat in a half cup of cookie butter, peanut butter or nut butter, Nutella, lemon curd, marmalade, or jam as smooth addition for a more flavorful frosting.
- Butter – Beat in two tablespoons at room temperature butter. In addition to that, add a pinch of salt if you are using unsalted butter.
- Whipped cream – Combine equal amounts of freshly whipped cream. As an alternative, you can use thawed whipped topping. On the other hand, use unsweetened whipped cream to tone down the sweetness of the store-bought frosting.
To Correct Consistency
You can add a tablespoon of confectioner’s sugar until you achieve the frosting’s correct consistency. Do this if the thickness of the frosting becomes too runny for you. Likewise, if the store-bought frosting is too sweet or fatty for you, you can add an equal quantity of whipped cream and store-bought frosting for a lighter cupcake or cake frosting.
Tips to Make Store-Bought Frosting Better
Remember, use a hand or stand mixer when combining the store-bought frosting for approximately three minutes. With that, ensure that the mixture is mixed correctly. Also, to put the dye above the mix if you use it on the store-bought frosting. Essentially, let your cake cool before putting the store-bought frosting. Doing this will make it easier to decorate.
