20 easy ways to make store-bought frosting better (2024)

• There are countless ways you can improve the texture, consistency, and flavor of canned frosting.
• An easy way to make canned frosting taste homemade is to simply whip it.
• You can also try mix-ins to add flavor, crunch, or color.

It's one thing to bake a cake, cupcakes, or cookies. But it's another thing to make your own frosting. Store-bought frosting can save the day, providing a fast and convenient way to frost a dessert right out of the can.

The problem? Canned frosting can sometimes be too sweet, bland, or the wrong consistency for what you need.

"You can add so many different ingredients to your canned frosting to take it to the next level," says dessert and food blogger Melissa Johnson of Best Friends For Frosting. "Mixing in cream cheese, whipped cream, lemon zest, or even Nutella can make such a difference."

From making frosting creamier or fluffier to changing its flavor, these easy changes will certainly impress anyone you're planning to share your dessert with.

Make it creamier

Many store-bought frosting options lack great body. Mixing in additional ingredients to make the frosting creamier will result in added richness and a more enjoyable mouthfeel with each bite.

Mix in cream cheese: Want extra creamy frosting? Cream cheese is the answer. "Mix in an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese," says Johnson. "The tartness will also help take away the excess sweetness of store-bought frosting."

Add peanut butter: Mixing in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter, or any nut or seed butter, can help to enhance the consistency of store-bought frosting. Of course, it will add flavor as well. Consider adding it to chocolate or vanilla frosting for a creamy, flavorful twist.

Make it thicker or thinner

Depending on what you're using the store-bought frosting for, a thicker or thinner consistency may be necessary. Making the frosting thicker will make it easier to pipe and decorate a cake. A thin, fluffier frosting provides a better match for cupcakes.

Add heavy whipping cream: Johnson suggests making frosting fluffier by mixing in heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time. "If it gets too runny in the process, add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar to even it out," she says.

Fold in whipped cream: "Add fresh, homemade whipped cream to your frosting for a richer and airy taste," says Johnson. Mix equal parts frosting to whipped cream, but be sure not to use canned whipped cream. Canned whipped cream is too light and won't hold its shape while mixing. Homemade whipped cream, or even thawed whipping topping, is best.

Thicken it with powdered sugar: Need frosting that can be piped onto a cake? Thicken store-bought frosting by mixing in powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Whip it until fluffy: To make frosting fluffy, it needs to be aerated. Add the container of frosting into a bowl and use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment to whip it for 3 minutes.

Enhance the flavor

For many, vanilla or chocolate frosting is flavorful enough right out of the container, but it can be improved. Make the frosting's flavor stronger or use it as a base to add other flavorings to create the perfect pairing for a cake.

Play with citrus: Love the flavor of lemon, lime, or orange? "Incorporating grated orange or lemon zest will add a whole new layer of sweet and semi-tart," says Johnson. Stir in 1 tablespoon of citrus zest to enhance the frosting's flavor, which will also help tame the sweetness.

Amp up the chocolate: Choosing chocolate frosting? Johnson suggests kicking the chocolate flavor up a notch by mixing in cocoa powder 1 teaspoon at a time. Another option? Pair chocolate and hazelnut. "Use Nutella or any brand of hazelnut spread to chocolate frosting. Add in 1/2 cup of Nutella and mix well with a hand mixer for a great way to spruce up the flavor," she says.

Add flavored syrups: "You know those flavored syrups from the grocery store? They're not just for snow cones and lattes," says Johnson. Mix in 1 teaspoon of a flavored syrup such as cherry, raspberry, or toffee nut to add extra flavor.

Use extracts: Mixing in extracts is one of the easiest and best ways to enhance flavor. Mix in options such as pure vanilla extract, pure almond extract, or pure peppermint extract. Use a spatula or hand mixer to mix in the extract 1 teaspoon at a time.

Make it colorful

Vanilla store-bought frosting will be white right out of the can. Utilizing other ingredients to tint the frosting will make a dessert vibrant and fun.

Use gel food coloring: Using colored frosting is one of the simplest ways to spruce up a cake or cupcakes. Start with two drops of gel food coloring and stir, then continue to add in food coloring one drop at a time until the desired color is achieved. Liquid food coloring tends to change the texture of the frosting, but gel food coloring will help to hold its shape.

Use freeze-dried fruit powder: Add color and flavor by introducing ground freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries. Start with a teaspoon or two, then adjust to your taste since some brands are more potent than others.

Jams or preserves: To create a light pastel hue and add a touch of flavor, add in fruit jams or preserves. Mix in a thick jam 1 tablespoon at a time until you've reached the desired color or taste.

Stir in crunch and texture

To create a truly unique dessert, adding texture is a great option. Make store-bought frosting more interesting with crunch in every bite.

Mix in crushed nuts: Stir in ½ cup to 1 cup of toasted and finely chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts to add a nutty crunch.

Add colorful sprinkles: For a confetti frosting, rainbow sprinkles will do the trick. Stir in ¼ to ½ cup of rainbow jimmies or rainbow nonpareils for a festive party cake.

Stir in shredded coconut: Shredded coconut can add great texture and just a hint of flavor to vanilla frosting. Stir in ½ cup to 1 cup.

Make it less sweet

Store-bought frosting can be incredibly sweet, but it doesn't have to stay that way. A savory or tart ingredient mixed in can help to reduce sweetness.

Add salt: Curb the sweetness of store-bought frosting, starting with an ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Use a spatula to stir in the salt or whip the frosting with a hand mixer and add more for an even saltier bite

Use a drop of lemon juice: Mixing in a drop of lemon juice will tame the sweetness of store-bought frosting, and such a small amount won't change its flavor. Stir it in with a spatula or whip the frosting with a hand mixer.

Insider's takeaway

Store-bought frosting can be a convenient option when topping and decorating a cake, cupcakes, or even cookies in a pinch. Store-bought frosting can be enhanced with a variety of mix-ins to amp up the creaminess or change its consistency, texture, flavor, and color.