To many people, it’s the thick, creamy swirls of vanilla frosting that are the best reason to say “yes” to a cupcake or slice of cake. That icing is sweet, luscious and decadent. Add sprinkles and it’s a party.
Those who own a mixer and don’t mind the mess can whip up a vat of frosting in minutes, but when time is short — as it so often is — pre-made frosting will get the job done fast.
Typically sold in short cardboard containers, ready-to-spread frosting comes in lots of tempting flavors, plus some interesting “keto” options, but for this taste test, we stuck with vanilla, hoping to find an all-around workhorse worth keeping in the pantry.
Our search turned up several options, including six brands that can be found on most store shelves. Taste was our top criterion, followed by texture — spreadability in particular. While most brands benefit from a good stir or a quick whip in a mixer, others are hopelessly greasy or sticky.
Good pre-made frosting is velvety smooth and fluffy, with such a delicious balance of vanilla, sugar and salt that it’s nearly as tasty as homemade buttercream. Bad frosting is gritty, greasy and so sticky, it’s hard to get it out of the carton. The worst leave a powerful bitter aftertaste that’s hard to forget.
Here’s the scoop on the most creamy, vanilla-forward frostings — and the bitter, inedible concoctions to avoid. Nutrition info refers to 2 tablespoons.
Miss Jones Organic Vanilla Frosting
This yummy frosting looks like coconut oil, but a good stir turns it into a silky, flavorful mix. It’s minimally sweet and has hits of salt and real vanilla that make it taste like homemade buttercream. 140 calories, 10 g fat, 40 mg sodium, 10 g sugar. $7.39 at Whole Foods. (4 stars)
Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting
Light, fluffy texture and balanced flavor make this a great choice. It lacks the charm of frosting made with real vanilla, but it’s a satisfying spoonful. 140 calories, 5 g fat, 70 mg sodium, 19 g sugar. $3.99 for 16 ounces at Safeway. (3 stars)
Wilton White Creamy Decorator Icing
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Those looking for a bold white frosting capable of creating a smooth surface will appreciate this dense, non-fluffy option. It has a pleasing hit of vanilla, but it’s desperate for a pinch more salt. 190 calories, 7 g fat, 15 mg sodium, 30 g sugar. $3.97 for 14 ounces at Walmart. (2½ stars)
Duncan Hines Whipped Fluffy White Frosting
The smooth texture of this brand is a plus, but the floury flavor is strange. It tastes more like cake batter than frosting. 110 calories, 5 g fat, 45 mg sodium, 16 g sugar. $2.99 for 14 ounces at Safeway. (1½ stars)
Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Vanilla Frosting
How this frosting earns the word “supreme” is a mystery. It’s a gloppy, greasy paste that’s not only gritty, but far too sweet. 140 calories, 6 g fat, 65 mg sodium, 23 g sugar. $1.99 for 12 ounces at Target. (½ a star)
Great Value Vanilla Frosting
Ack! No. This tastes like chemicals with a nasty bitter aftertaste. 140 calories, 5 g fat, 60 mg sodium, 20 g sugar. $1.66 for 16 ounces at Walmart. (No stars)
Reviews are based on product samples purchased by this newspaper or provided by manufacturers. Contact Jolene Thym at timespickyeater@gmail.com. Read more Taste-off columns at www.mercurynews.com/tag/taste-off.
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