Don't have time to make frosting from scratch? Learn how to make canned frosting taste homemade.
How to Make Canned Frosting Taste Homemade
Updated on Nov. 30, 2023
Throughout my life, my mom has made almost every single one of my birthday cakes with from-scratch frosting. With time, my two brothers and I came to expect homemade frosting on desserts for most celebrations, whether we were going to have cake, cupcakes or cookies.
Even in a home that revered homemade buttercream, we still kept a can or two of canned frosting tucked away in the pantry for emergencies. And every time we’d crack one open, I’d find myself wondering how to make canned frosting taste homemade. It was never the same as the from-scratch batches!
Luckily, with a little research, we found that there are dozens of ways to doctor up a can of frosting. By using some of these tricks, you won’t notice as much of a difference between Mom’s recipe and Betty Crocker’s. While you’re at it, you can also explore how to make box brownies better!
7 Ways to Make Canned Frosting Taste Homemade
While there are several ways to make canned frosting taste homemade, your approach should really depend on personal preferences. With our tips, you can change the consistency of the frosting, add flavor and texture, adjust the level of sweetness and more—all depending on what you want out of your can of frosting. While you’re at it you can also explore how to make box cake taste homemade!
Grab a container of one of the best store-bought frosting brands to start with and get experimenting!
1. Whip the frosting
Most homemade frostings have a somewhat fluffy texture (except fudgy chocolate ganache)—so unless you buy canned frosting specifically for its density, whipping some air into the frosting is an easy and transformative way to make canned frosting taste homemade. Scoop the frosting into a bowl and beat at a medium speed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Editor’s Tip: No matter what other modifications you plan to make, whipping canned frosting will make a world of difference. The thickness of store-bought frosting is one of the biggest giveaways that it isn’t homemade.
2. Thin it out
Since canned frosting is typically super thick, another way to get it to taste homemade is to make it thinner. Pour a splash of whipping cream into a bowl with the frosting and beat until it’s incorporated. If you poured in too much cream, don’t panic! Add confectioner’s sugar to the frosting tablespoon by tablespoon until it reaches a thickness you like.
Don’t have cream on hand? Milk or Baileys (if you’re feeling bold) would work, too.
Editor’s Tip: When I added whipping cream to canned frosting, the texture resembled meringue. It’d be a perfect topper for a s’mores-themed dessert.
3. Flavor with extract
If you’re starting with vanilla frosting, adding flavor is one of the easiest tweaks you can make. A little of your favorite extract—whether it’s almond, peppermint or lemon—would be a great addition.
It’s easy to go overboard with extracts. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, whip it in and taste. Repeat the process if you’d like a stronger flavor.
(Psst: This trick also works for making cake mix and boxed brownies taste better!)
4. Make it extra smooth
Creamy ingredients like Nutella, cream cheese, marshmallow creme, peanut butter or another nut butter will give the store-bought frosting tons of flavor with some additional smoothness. Mix in 1 cup of cream cheese or 1/2 cup of marshmallow creme or nut butter per can of frosting for a creamy delight.
5. Add a pinch of salt
We all know how store-bought frosting is almost candy-sweet. Some of us love it, but others find it a bit cloying. If you’re in the latter group (like me), tone down the sweetness by adding a sprinkle of salt. Just be careful—it’s easy to overdo and hard to recover from.
6. Give it more texture
Flaked coconut, mini chocolate chips or shavings, chopped nuts and even sprinkles would be fun morsels to fold into your frosting, depending on what dessert you’ll frost.
Editor’s Tip: Before you add any mix-ins, make sure the frosting is at your desired consistency first. Otherwise it will be more difficult to fold in the extra ingredient.
7. Add color
It’s easy to dye a can of vanilla frosting; just reach for food coloring. You can even make it whiter. (Hint: It involves purple food coloring!) Learn more about how to make buttercream white.
If you want to add flavor and color at the same time, consider a few spoonfuls of your favorite jam recipe, whether it’s strawberry, blueberry or even marmalade.
Mix and match any of the above ideas to get your dream can of frosting.
Try These Homemade Frosting Recipes
Italian Meringue ButtercreamItalian meringue buttercream is a fluffy, dreamy frosting for any and all cakes. You can add flavors and colors, too, for all of your beautiful cake creations.
Peanut Butter FrostingRich, sweet and a tiny bit salty, peanut butter frosting is the only topping you need for a batch of brownies or a luscious chocolate cake.
Get tips from our Test Kitchen on how to frost a cake so it looks fresh from the bakery.
French ButtercreamFrench buttercream has a custard-like texture and is great if you're going to be piping shapes or decorations. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Best Vanilla ButtercreamWhy is this recipe crowned the best vanilla buttercream frosting? With its powerfully decadent vanilla bean flavor and delightfully creamy texture, your family and friends will scrape every last bit of this frosting off their plates. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Here are different types of buttercream frostings.
Coconut Pecan FrostingTry this simple, scrumptious coconut pecan frosting recipe the next time you crave a cake with extra personality.
Chocolate Peanut Butter FrostingChocolate and peanut butter are such an enjoyable combination. This delicious chocolate peanut butter frosting makes a satisfying topping to these moist chocolate cupcakes.—Ruthe Stevenson, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Check out our collection of the best types of frosting.
German ButtercreamThis German buttercream frosting is super silky and buttery. It's pleasantly sweet, but not overly sweet like some American buttercreams can be. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cream Cheese FrostingThis cream cheese frosting hits every mark: tangy, rich and smooth as velvet. You only need four ingredients to pull it off!
Rich Chocolate FrostingWhip up the silkiest, creamiest chocolate buttercream frosting in just minutes with a few simple ingredients. Use this rich, fluffy-as-a-cloud fudge frosting for when you're really trying to impress people with your homemade brownies and cakes.
Blackberry ButtercreamGorgeous in color and rich in flavor, this sophisticated take on traditional frosting will have you wanting to make blackberry buttercream for every cake you make.
Vanilla FrostingLight, sweet and perfectly airy, this easy homemade vanilla frosting recipe makes a delicious topping for cakes, cupcakes, desserts and sweet breads.
Old-Fashioned Ermine FrostingErmine frosting brings back memories of being in the kitchen with my grandmother. This old-timey frosting was her go-to for cakes when she didn't have cornstarch or cream cheese. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cupcake FrostingSimple vanilla frosting is a great topper for any cupcake. I frosted 300 cupcakes with this recipe for my wedding in lieu of a traditional cake. It made for a delicious bridal twist. — Annie Rundle, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Whipped Cream FrostingA luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Fluffy White FrostingFluffy white frosting is similar to meringue, but instead of baking it, it's laced atop cakes or in between cookies for a cookie sandwich.
Also, check how to make canned frosting taste like homemade.
Amaretto Butter FrostingPut the crowning touch on cupcakes with this rich and buttery Amaretto topper. —Anette Stevens, Olds, Alberta
Creamy Fudge FrostingFor every occasion that calls for chocolate frosting, keep this fudgy recipe close by. With just five ingredients from the pantry, you’ve got magic in minutes. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Strawberry Cupcakes with Whipped Cream FrostingFresh strawberries are full of water, so they have a tendency to weigh down cake batters and make soggy cakes. That’s why these strawberry cupcakes rely on strawberry jam or preserves. The concentrated flavor is just right for light and tender cupcakes. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Winter White Filling or FrostingHow versatile! Prepare this recipe for use as a cake filling, frosting or both. —Sarah Thompson, Greenfield, Wisconsin
Buttercream FrostingA few simple ingredients make a creamy frosting that finishes cakes, cupcakes and cookies. If you love making desserts, keep this buttercream frosting recipe handy. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Apple Pie CupcakesTurn the classic cupcake into a fall favorite with our rendition of apple pie cupcakes. Filled with a sweet apple mixture and topped with cinnamon frosting, these cupcakes taste just like apple pie!
Emily's Strawberry Cake with Strawberry ButtercreamMy husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
Powdered Sugar GlazeCreate this delicious powdered sugar glaze to fulfill your nostalgic childhood memories. Pipe it on cookies, drizzle it on scones or douse it on muffins.
Espresso FillingCoffee lovers will go crazy for cakes made with this heavenly filling. It's rich, decadent and irresistible! —Megan Byers, Wichita, Kansas
Maple Glaze for DoughnutsCider doughnuts are a tradition in Vermont, but here in Texas, we love maple flavors, too. Our glaze of choice features delicious maple syrup. —Barbara Elliott, Tyler, Texas. Looking for more? Check out our collection of the best Vermont recipes.
Vanilla CakeOur Test Kitchen created our best vanilla cake recipe yet. It's tender, moist and packed with rich vanilla flavor—a must for any special occasion.
Chewy Gingerbread CookiesThese chewy gingerbread cookies are packed with warm spices and rich molasses, delivering a perfect balance of soft and chewy texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat anytime, they're sure to become a family favorite.
Favorite Frosted BrowniesThese are my tried-and-true brownies for many holidays. Everyone always agrees that they are absolutely yummy! I sometimes top them with candy sprinkles for a little color. —Barbara Birk, St. George, Utah
Buttermilk Cake with Caramel IcingThis fabulous cake and caramel frosting are so tender, it melts in your mouth. It's been a family favorite since the '70s and it goes over really well at church potluck meals. —Anna Jean Allen, West Liberty, Kentucky
Funfetti CakeWant to know how to make a Funfetti cake recipe from scratch? Our Test Kitchen provides you with a helpful guide sprinkled with tips for making this colorful cake.
Editor's Tip: Tint white frosting with liquid, gel or paste food coloring. Liquid will give a pastel color; gel and paste give a deeper color. Add a little at a time, stir in and check the color. You can always add more, but it's hard to lighten the color. The color generally darkens as the frosting dries.
Frosted Pumpkin DoughnutsOur three children grew pumpkins to sell. During harvest, it was time to make these scrumptious doughnuts. The orange frosting is super. —Connie Simon, Reed City, Michigan
Chocolate Spice Cake with Caramel IcingI found this recipe back in the late '80s and knew it was a special cake. The caramel icing can be a little tricky because you have to work quickly, but it's so worth it! —Mariann James, Ferguson, Missouri
Butterscotch CakeThink of butterscotch cake as German chocolate cake's auburn cousin. The amber-hued cake layers are flavored with butterscotch chips, as are the stripes of chewy, coconut-pecan filling between the cake layers and on top.
White Chocolate Coconut CakeThis eye-catching cake is my own creation. The white "snowball" look makes it the perfect choice for a holiday celebration. —Greta Kirby, Carthage, Tennessee
