Rather than making your own, which can often be time consuming and a hassle, this option means that people can make great desserts in a way that is affordable and easy.
However, in many ways, store bought frosting does have its flaws, which begs the question: how exactly can you improve the quality of store bought frosting?
What Could Be Improved About Store Bought Frosting?
To determine what can be done to improve store bought frosting, it is first important to discuss what shortcomings it may have.
While this is of course down to personal preference, there are some things that most people can generally agree on.
The Sweetness
One of the main problems with store bought frosting is the sweetness, which can often be way too much for most people’s taste.
Store bought frosting is laden with sugar, which acts as a preservative to give the frosting a longer shelf life in stores.
While this obviously has its benefits – both for consumers and manufacturers – it does unfortunately mean that the overall flavor can be affected.
The Thickness
Canned store bought frosting can also be quite thick – something that can make it unsuitable for spreading on cakes, or at the very least, difficult to do so.
This is due to the fact that it has been compressed and sealed inside of a can for so long, but luckily, there are ways to make this less of a problem when it comes to baking.
The Flavor
While the sugar levels are often high, the flavor of store bought frosting can often be weak, dull, or somewhat processed and artificial in flavor.
This is another thing that can easily be solved though – the solution to which we will get to later in the article.
How To Improve Store Bought Frosting
Now that we know a little more about the problems with store bought frosting, it is now time for us to look at some potential solutions.
There are many ways you can go about achieving the same ends, but we have compiled some of our favorite methods for doing so.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Make It Fluffier
One of the first ways to improve the state of store bought frosting is to change the texture.
As mentioned above, store bought frosting can often be thick and dense, which does really adhere to the piping or spreading process during baking.
However, if you are looking to make it fluffier, then there are many simple methods you can follow.
The easiest way to do this is with a whisk (or a fork), ensuring that when you are whipping and mixing you are getting as much oxygen into the mix as possible.
This is what creates the lighter, fluffier texture that people love so much.
On the subject of texture, you could also add chocolate sprinkles, or chocolate chips into the mix.
This can be a great way to add a little density and texture to the frosting, and make the frosting far more interesting and layered when it comes to eating.
This can be a great way of improving the overall eating experience.
Improving Flavor
If you want to improve the flavor of your store bought frosting, then there are many ways to achieve this end.
The simplest way is to add various forms of extract (in the flavor of your choosing) to increase the overall flavor profile of the frosting.
This could be chocolate, or it could be vanilla, but whichever flavor you choose, this can be a great way to counteract the processed, artificial flavor that often accompanies store bought frosting.
This really doesn’t need to be anymore than a teaspoon of extract, but it makes all the difference when it comes to eating.
Reducing Sweetness
If you want to tone down some of the sweetness associated with store bought frosting, then the best way to do this is add a little bit of salt.
When we say ‘a little bit’, we really do mean a little bit, as the ratio can soon be swayed the other way, and too much salt can completely ruin the overall flavor of the frosting.
However, when done right, the salt will soften the almost candy-like sweetness of the frosting, and give it a richer, more palatable flavor that can really enhance baked goods.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about store bought frosting, and the best ways you can improve the quality and make it better.
It is certainly true that, for most people, store bought frosting is the most commonly used product in cake making – namely due to the convenience and ease that come with it.
However, as this article shows, there are ways that this common essential can be improved tenfold – creating a much better cake at the end.
So if you are looking to improve the quality of your store bought frosting, then be sure to follow these suggestions. Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we know a little more about store bought frosting, and the best ways to make it better, it is now time for us to answer some frequently asked questions that you might be interested in.
Is Store Bought Frosting Expensive?
No! One of the main benefits of store bought frosting is that it is affordable and widely available – meaning that those with budgetary restrictions can easily purchase it for cake making.
Is Store Bought Frosting Tasty?
While it might not be as flavorsome as homemade frosting, store bought frosting is still perfectly good – especially if you do not have the means or the knowhow to make your own.
