Perfect Party Frosting Food

CUPCAKE FROSTING RECIPE

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, whip the cold heavy cream on high speed (1-2 minutes) until thick, fluffy and spreadable.
• In a second mixing bowl (using the same electric mixer - no need to wash it), beat cream cheese and powdered sugar. Start on low speed to incorporate then beat on high speed for 2 minutes until creamy and whipped, then beat in 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Use a spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mix until well blended. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

CAKE POPS

Steps:

• Prepare and bake the cake according to the package directions for a 9-by-13-inch pan. Let cool completely.
• Break the cake into pieces and place it in a food processor. Add the frosting and process until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 30 seconds. If the mixture doesn't come together, add more frosting 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds its shape.
• Using a 3/4-ounce scoop, form the mixture into 46 balls and put them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the candy wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and melt according to package directions. Dip a half inch of the tip of a lollipop stick into the candy and then stick the tip halfway into a cake ball. Repeat with the remaining balls and sticks. Refrigerate the cake pops until completely chilled, about 1 hour.
• Microwave the candy again until melted and pour it into a tall narrow glass. Dip each cake pop into the candy and let any excess run off. If decorating, turn the cake pop upright and sprinkle with sprinkles while the coating is still wet. Stick the finished pops in two 9.8-by-11.8-inch Styrofoam blocks block and let set completely.

QUICK VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.
• Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.

PERFECT SEVEN-MINUTE FROSTING

Steps:

• In a small, heavy-bottom saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, corn syrup, and 4 tablespoons water. Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved, about 4 minutes. Rub a bit of the mixture between your fingers, making sure any graininess has disappeared. Raise heat, and bring to a boil without stirring. Continue boiling, occasionally washing down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water to prevent sugar from crystallizing, until a candy thermometer registers 230 degrees, about 5 minutes. (Depending on the humidity, this can take anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes.) Remove the syrup from heat (temperature will keep rising).
• Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 1/2 minutes. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. With mixer on medium-low speed, pour syrup in a steady stream down side of bowl (to avoid splattering).
• Beat the frosting on high speed until cool, about seven minutes. It should be thick and shiny. Use immediately.

BUTTERCREAM ICING

Steps:

• Beat 600g sifted icing sugar and 300g butter together with your chosen flavouring and colouring if using, add 2-3 tablespoons of boiling water to loosen and beat until smooth.
• Fill a piping bag with a star nozzle and pipe onto cupcakes or smear in the middle and over the top of a 20cm cake using a palette knife.