Dairy free icing

by Linda
(California)

Could I make icing that is dairy free (no milk/butter)? From your recipes, it looks like the Wilton's decorator icing is the closest. Maybe I can leave out the butter extract or use it if it's artificial butter flavor? I appreciate your ideas. I'm trying to make a cake for my sister and niece who have dairy allergies.

A. The Wilton's icing does require at least 1 Tablespoon milk.

Try substituting soy milk, almond milk or water in place of milk. You can also use a non dairy creamer about 2 Tablespoons mixed into 1/4 Cup water. Add desired amount until you get the right consistency.

Please Note:**Non-dairy creamer does not contain lactose (a sugar- which bothers people with lactose intolerance), but it DOES contain casein (a protein that triggers an allergic reaction in people allergic to milk).~Thanks, Nina for setting us straight on this.

If you'd like to use any of the frosting recipes Replace milk substitute as mentioned above. Replace butter with a dairy free substitute like soy margarine.

Here is a recipe for dairy free icing recipe. This recipe will decorate your cake and hold up for piping decorations.

1 Cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla
8 Cups powdered sugar or 2 small pkgs powdered sugar equal to 16 oz.
1/2 Cup water

Blend all ingredients together in mixer until smooth.
~If almond extract is not a concern you can add 1/4 teaspoon to enhance the flavor.

If you'd like a frosting for your cake but aren't planning on decorating it, try this dairy free icing glaze. This smooths over the top of the cake and makes a nice drizzle down the sides.

1 Cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon hot water
~ drop of flavoring, optional
Stir all together and immediately spread over cake.