7 secrets to make store bought frosting better

Make store bought frosting better with these 7 easy tips. They will save the day when you don’t have time or when you just don’t feel like making frosting from scratch. This better store bought frosting recipe can be used to make incredible cakes and cupcakes or anything you would use frosting with! 

Making cakes and frosting from scratch can feel so overwhelming sometimes. There always seem to be so many extra steps! Sure, it’s definitely worth it—just check out my Vanilla Bean Italian Meringue Buttercream recipe (it tastes out of this world)—but sometimes, I just want cake without all the extra work.

And let’s be real, I know I’m not the only one who craves cake with delicious frosting but doesn’t always want to put in the effort. Maybe this is TMI, but for me, that craving really kicks in during PMS… anyone else?

So if you’re like me and suddenly need cake with some GOOD frosting but don’t want to go all out, these 7 tips to make store-bought frosting taste better are about to change your life! 😉

These are the 7 tips to make store bought frosting taste better.

These tips will seriously improve your store bought frosting! Try a couple at a time and see which ones work best for you.

• Add a pinch of salt
• Add flavoring
• Add whipped cream
• Add in cream cheese for a lighter flavor
• Whip the frosting
• Add textures
• Add freeze-dried ground-up fruit to add flavor

These tips are supposed to help diminish that fake chemically taste of the store bought frosting. You should try using a ocuple to start and work from there. Taste as you go and see what it needs.

For example, if I am making a red velvet cake, I would make sure to add cream cheese because red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting go hand in hand. I would also add some powdered sugar to thicken the frosting and make it easier to pipe or store the cake or cupcakes with.

What store bought frosting brands can I use?

Honestly, any brand will work! That said, pricier frostings tend to taste better right out of the container. Some of the most popular brands you can use include:

• Betty Crocker
• Baker’s Corner
• Duncan Hines
• Simple Mills
• Pillsbury
• Or even Great Value!

Of course, if the frosting doesn’t taste great to begin with, it’ll be harder to improve. But these brands are a good starting point for making store-bought frosting even better!

If you love these frosting secrets, check out the 7 secrets to make boxed pancakes better + mistakes to avoid + recipe !

The 7 secrets to make store bought frosting better!

1. Add a pinch of salt

Store-bought frosting can be super sweet, but a tiny pinch of salt fixes that in no time! It helps cut the sweetness and brings out a richer, more balanced flavor. Such a simple trick, but it makes a huge difference in making canned frosting taste like homemade buttercream!

2.Boost the Flavor

Give your frosting a flavor boost with these easy extract hacks:

• Vanilla frosting? Add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract  for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Chocolate frosting? Mix in 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder dissolved in ½ teaspoon of hot water—it’ll enhance that deep, chocolatey goodness!
• Spiced frosting? Stir in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for that cozy fall vibe.
• Holiday frosting? Try adding in some peppermint, or even orange zest or extract for a Christmas inspired frosting. 

3.Lighten It Up with Whipped Cream

If your can of frosting feels too thick and sugary, just mix equal parts frosting and whipped cream for a lighter, fluffier texture. If it ends up too runny, simply add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you get the perfect consistency!

4. Mix in Cream Cheese for a Bakery-Style Frosting

Craving that rich, creamy bakery-style frosting? Just blend together:

• 1 can of store-bought frosting
•  8 oz softened cream cheese
•  ½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for a thicker consistency)

This combo tones down the sweetness and adds a subtle tang, perfect for red velvet or carrot cake!

5. Whip It for Extra Fluffiness

Want a lighter, airier frosting? Just whip it! Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the frosting for 3-5 minutes. This adds air, improves the texture, and even gives you more frosting, win-win!

6. Add textures and flavors

Want to take your frosting up a notch? Add Mix-ins like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkles! Try:

• Mini chocolate chips for a fun crunch
• Walnuts or pecans for carrot cake
• Toasted coconut for a tropical vibe

7. Add freeze dried fruit powders for Natural Flavor & Color

For a fruity twist, blend freeze-dried fruit into a fine powder and mix it into your frosting. It naturally adds vibrant color and flavor, no artificial dyes needed! Start with ¼ cup of fruit powder and adjust to taste.

• Blueberries for a rich, flavorful blueberry frosting
• Strawberries for a sweet, berry-packed strawberry frosting

How to Adjust Store-Bought Frosting Texture

• Too Thick? Add 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until it’s just right.
• Too Thin? Mix in 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until it thickens,perfect for pipeable cupcake frosting!
• Too Sweet? A pinch of salt or a bit of cream cheese helps tone down the sweetness for a more balanced flavor.

How to make store-bought icing pipeable?

Often times store-bought icing can be a little too thin so you will need to thicken it a little more to bring it to that perfect consistency. To do so, add in 1 tablespoon of confectioner’s sugar into the icing and mix it in. Continue doing this until you reach your perfect consistency, adding 1 tablespoon at a time.

I have used this method successfully and was able to frost while cakes and cupcakes with store bought frosting. The result came back gorgeous because I used gel food coloring as well to make an ombre cake!

So yea, these are my tips and tricks to make canned frosting better, fluffier and overall more enjoyable when you’re in a pinch 🙂

Better tasting store bought frosting

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