Description
This Spiced Creamy Gingerbread Frosting with Vanilla Infusion is a luscious, flavorful topping perfect for enhancing gingerbread cakes and cookies. It combines classic holiday spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a smooth vanilla-infused buttercream base. Rich yet airy, this frosting balances sweetness and spice for a delightful finishing touch to your baked treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Buttercream Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid the sugar flying out of the bowl. After all sugar is incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat until the mixture is fluffy and well combined, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and mix on low speed until incorporated. Then increase to medium speed and whip the frosting for another 2 minutes until it becomes airy and light.
- Add Spices and Vanilla: Add ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the frosting. Mix on medium speed until all the spices and vanilla are evenly blended and the frosting has a uniform texture and color, around 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the frosting and adjust the seasoning if desired. If the frosting is too thick, add additional heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Use or Store: Use the frosting immediately to frost gingerbread cakes or cookies, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for later use. Before using chilled frosting, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip if needed.
Notes
- If chilled, bring frosting to room temperature and whip again for best spreading consistency.
- Add heavy cream gradually to control frosting thickness.
- Use fresh ground spices for optimal flavor.
- Optional: Add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness and balance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gingerbread frosting, spiced frosting, buttercream frosting, holiday frosting, vanilla infusion, gingerbread spice
