How to Thicken a Frosting That Is to Watery

Homemade frosting can be whipped up from various ingredients, including cocoa, cream cheese and butter. These frostings add a distinct flavor to cakes, cookies and donuts. Sometimes, home-grown bakers have an issue with creating the correct consistency of frosting. It's either too runny or so tough that it is difficult to spread. Powered sugar can be used to thicken frosting to a perfect texture.

Things You'll Need

• Spoon
• Powered sugar

Instructions

1. Test the frosting's consistency. Remove a spoonful from the bowl. The frosting should stick to the spoon but fall off into the bowl slowly. Frosting that pours fast is too thin and will require powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Place 1 tbsp. powdered sugar into the frosting. Mix the sugar into the frosting and test it again.

3. Continue to pour in powdered sugar 1/2 tbsp. at a time until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

Tips & Warnings

• Frosting that is too thick can be thinned by adding small amounts of water.

• Adding too much powered sugar into the frosting can cause the frosting to streak when spread on the dessert.

References

• Reader's Digest: Basic Cookie Frosting Recipe
• Joy of Cooking: Royal Icing Recipe