Butter Icing (VRP 002)

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Butter Icing, as found in Vintage Recipe Box 002, is a classic topping for cakes and desserts that offers a smooth and rich layer of sweetness. Unlike buttercream frosting, which is thicker and fluffier, butter icing has a thinner consistency, making it perfect for glazing cakes or adding a delicate, glossy finish. This handwritten recipe on a lined index card takes us back to a time when simple, homemade icings were the norm in every kitchen.

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Butter Icing

The Difference Between Icing and Frosting

Understanding the difference between icing and frosting is key to choosing the right topping for your baked goods. Frosting is generally thicker, creamier, and more substantial. It’s often whipped to a fluffy consistency, making it ideal for spreading or piping on cakes and cupcakes. Buttercream, for example, is a type of frosting that combines butter and sugar, sometimes with added cream or milk, to create a rich, airy texture.

Icing, on the other hand, is thinner and smoother, with a glossy finish. It’s often made with powdered sugar, a small amount of liquid (like milk or cream), and sometimes butter or egg yolk for added richness. Icing is typically used for glazing cakes, drizzling over pastries, or adding a subtle layer of sweetness to cookies. Because of its thinner consistency, icing sets more quickly than frosting, forming a delicate crust that enhances the appearance of baked goods.

Check out our vintage frosting and vintage icing recipes for the perfect finishing touch on your desserts!

The History of Butter Icing

Butter icing has a long history in home baking, especially in recipes passed down through families. In the early 20th century, as home baking became more common, butter icing emerged as a popular way to finish cakes and desserts. Its simplicity—requiring just a few ingredients—made it accessible for home cooks, while its rich flavor added a luxurious touch to even the simplest of cakes. This butter icing recipe from Vintage Recipe Box 002 is a perfect example of the straightforward, reliable recipes that were cherished in mid-20th-century kitchens.

Timeline of Butter Icing

• Early 20th Century: Butter icing gains popularity in home kitchens as a simple yet elegant cake topping.
• Mid-20th Century: Recipes for butter icing become common in cookbooks, often passed down through generations as family favorites.
• Today: Butter icing remains a beloved choice for those seeking a smooth, rich, and easy-to-make topping for cakes, cookies, and pastries.

Recipe Discussion

This vintage butter icing recipe is a straightforward blend of soft butter, egg yolk, cream, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla. The ingredients combine to create a smooth, spreadable icing perfect for glazing cakes or drizzling over baked goods. Using an egg yolk adds a rich, custard-like depth to the icing, while the cream ensures a smooth, glossy finish. Unlike frosting, which is thick and creamy, this butter icing offers a more delicate texture, ideal for those who prefer a lighter, less sugary topping.

Preparation Tips

• Use Soft Butter: Ensure the butter is soft but not melted to achieve the best consistency when blending with the sugar and egg yolk.
• Sift the Sugar: Sifting the confectioner’s sugar helps prevent lumps in the icing, creating a smooth, even texture.
• Apply Quickly: Icing tends to set faster than frosting, so it’s important to spread it on your cake or cookies immediately after mixing.

Recommended Kitchen Items

The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.

• Mixing Bowl: A sturdy, medium-sized mixing bowl is perfect for combining icing ingredients.
• Whisk or Hand Mixer: A whisk or hand mixer will help blend the ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to apply a thin, even layer of icing over cakes or pastries.

Serving Suggestions

• Glaze for Cakes: Pour or brush the butter icing over a pound cake or bundt cake for a simple, elegant finish.
• Cookie Topping: Drizzle over sugar cookies for a sweet, shiny coating that sets beautifully.
• Pastry Glaze: Use this icing to glaze Danish pastries or cinnamon rolls, adding a delicate sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

A Delicate, Sweet Finish

Butter icing offers a classic, light finish to your favorite baked goods, perfect for those who prefer a less sugary alternative to traditional frostings. This recipe from Vintage Recipe Box 002 embodies the charm of home baking, offering a smooth, sweet, and slightly glossy topping that complements a variety of desserts. Whether you’re glazing a cake or adding a finishing touch to cookies, this butter icing recipe is a delightful way to connect with the past and enjoy a taste of vintage baking.

Explore the History of Vintage Recipe Box 002

This recipe comes from Vintage Recipe Box 002, once belonging to Merridelle DePUE Sowers, an Ohio native with deep roots in family and tradition. While many recipes in this box reflect mid-century convenience, they still hold the charm of a bygone era. Discover more about Merridelle’s life and the fascinating history of Vintage Recipe Box 002.

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Vintage Kitchen Tools and Dishes

I love vintage dishes and kitchenware. 

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Vintage Cookbooks

Every once and a while you can find a good cookbook with Vintage Recipes on Amazon. I don’t have any recommendations as I haven’t bought any as I prefer the handwritten recipes that you see on our site.

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Butter Icing Recipe