If you're a fan of sweet treats, then you've probably had your fair share of white icing. Did you know that just one tablespoon of white icing contains around 80 calories? While it's a small amount, those calories can quickly add up if you're not careful.

White icing is primarily made up of sugar and milk or cream. Depending on the brand, it may also contain artificial flavors or preservatives. It's important to keep in mind that while white icing may taste delicious, it's not the healthiest choice when it comes to desserts.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about white icing - from its history to its nutritional value. We'll also provide some healthier alternatives and creative ways to use white icing in your recipes.

Calories in White Icing

We already mentioned that one tablespoon of white icing has 80 calories. However, you may be surprised to learn that a typical slice of cake with frosting can contain anywhere from 300-500 calories. If you're watching your calorie intake, then it's important to be mindful of how much white icing you use in your recipes. You can also try substituting some of the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to cut down on calories.

Ingredients of White Icing

As we mentioned earlier, white icing is primarily made up of sugar and milk or cream. Some brands may use butter or vegetable shortening instead of milk. When shopping for white icing, be sure to read the label to check for any artificial flavors or preservatives that you may want to avoid.

5 Ways to Use White Icing

White icing isn't just for cakes and cupcakes. Here are five creative ways to use it in your recipes:

1. Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat
2. Use it as a dip for fresh fruit or pretzels
3. Spread it on toast or muffins for a quick snack
4. Use it as a frosting for homemade cinnamon rolls or sweet breads
5. Top off a bowl of ice cream with a dollop of white icing and sprinkles

How to Make White Icing

Making white icing from scratch is easier than you might think. Here's a simple recipe:

1. Beat 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until creamy
2. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of milk or cream and beat until well combined
3. If needed, add more milk or sugar until the desired consistency is reached
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week

Healthy Alternatives to White Icing

If you want to enjoy the delicious taste of frosting without all of the sugar and calories, then consider trying one of these healthier alternatives:

1. Whipped cream - Low in sugar and calories, whipped cream is a great substitute for icing
2. Greek yogurt - Mix Greek yogurt with some honey or fruit for a tasty and healthy frosting alternative
3. Peanut butter - Mix peanut butter with a little honey for a sweet and nutty frosting alternative
4. Fruit puree - Blend fresh or frozen fruit with a little honey for a fruity and nutritious frosting alternative

White Icing vs. Buttercream

White icing and buttercream are two popular frosting options when it comes to cakes and cupcakes. Here's how they compare:

• White icing is lighter and less sweet than buttercream
• Buttercream is richer and creamier than white icing
• White icing is easier to make from scratch than buttercream
• Buttercream is more versatile and can be flavored with different extracts or melted chocolate

The History of White Icing

White icing has been used for centuries to decorate cakes and pastries. In medieval times, white icing was made using honey, egg whites, and sugar. It wasn't until the 1800s when powdered sugar became more widely available that white icing as we know it today came into existence.

How to Store White Icing

If you have leftover white icing or want to make it ahead of time, then it's important to store it properly to prevent it from spoiling. Here are some tips:

• Store white icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week
• Before using, let the icing come to room temperature and stir it well to ensure it's the right consistency
• If the icing has separated or looks grainy, then beat it with an electric mixer until smooth
• Do not freeze white icing as it can become watery or lose its consistency when thawed

White Icing Nutrition Facts

One tablespoon of white icing (about 15 grams) contains the following:

• calories: 80
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Total Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 0g

Famous Desserts That Use White Icing

White icing is a staple in many popular desserts. Here are just a few examples:

• Birthday cake - Vanilla cake with white icing is a classic birthday cake combination
• Carrot cake - Cream cheese icing is a popular topping for carrot cake, but you can also use white icing for a lighter option
• Cinnamon rolls - White icing is the perfect topping for warm and gooey cinnamon rolls
• Sugar cookies - Use white icing to decorate and add some sweetness to your favorite sugar cookie recipe
• Cupcakes - White icing is a versatile frosting option that can be flavored or colored to match any occasion