MUNDANE MYSTERIES: What is the difference between Frosting and Icing?

Woman decorates freshly baked cupcakes with cream

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: What is the difference between Frosting and Icing?

Maybe you are still snacking on a few leftover cupcakes from Valentine’s Day and this thought crossed your mind. What is the difference between frosting and icing? Not a whole lot actually, but there are subtle differences.

Frosting is generally thicker and fluffier than icing. Icing rends to be shiny and thin making it harder to spread across a big cake like frosting. Icing it better spooned or drizzled on baked goods. Icing also has a sugar base whereas frosting is usually buttercream and sweeter. Frosting is better for coloring too.

Yum. Now I want a cupcake.

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