Easy Royal Icing For Cake Decorating

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHO THIS RECIPE IS PERFECT FOR: Anyone, from casual bakers to seasoned pros, will love this will love my Easy Royal Icing For Cake Decorating! Not only do you get my royal icing recipe, but I’ll throw in some tips and tricks for decorating along the way! 

I won’t claim to be a professional cake decorator, but I do have enough tricks up my sleeve to make you think I might be one! My recipe and method for making Easy Royal Icing For Cake Decorating ensure that every step along the way to making a cake look beautiful is as simple as possible. 

That includes the recipe list — this is a 3 ingredient royal icing recipe. All you need are eggs, powdered sugar, and a touch of lemon juice! If eggs aren’t part of your diet, be sure to see my notes below for the best egg substitute to make royal icing. 

This simple-to-make recipe is also incredibly easy to use! I’ll give you a rundown of troubleshooting royal icing, common questions, and how to decorate a cake using royal icing.

What Is Royal Icing?

Royal icing is made of egg whites, powdered sugar, and a dash of lemon juice. This ratio of egg white to powdered sugar, when whipped to perfection, transforms into a light and sturdy icing. You could even use my royal icing to build gingerbread houses and cakes like my Irish Christmas Cake.

Based on these ingredients, you can probably assume what royal icing tastes like — a lot like sugar.

The main difference between Royal Icing and Buttercream Frosting is the texture. Buttercream is creamy, but royal icing will harden and holds its shape. 

Are Raw Egg Whites In Royal Icing Safe? How To Heat Treat Egg Whites

There is a very slight risk of contracting food-borne pathogens, like Salmonella, while using egg whites in royal icing, but it is very low.

If this makes you nervous, I suggest heat-treating your eggs prior to use. This step is not necessary while making homemade royal icing, but it’s a good method to know when working with raw egg whites.

To heat treat egg whites, cook them in a bain-marie over low heat for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. Do this just until the egg whites become warm — not hot. You don’t want to cook the eggs. Heating the water over a pot of simmering water (not in the pot) will kill any potential bacteria. 

With the addition of lemon juice, you’ll be as safe as can be! 

Egg Alternatives For Royal Icing

If you don’t want to use egg whites, there are a few alternatives for making royal icing. You can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas!) in place of egg whites for vegan royal icing. You can also use meringue powder instead of egg whites in this recipe. 

Use 2 teaspoons of meringue powder and 2 tablespoons of water to substitute 1 egg white. For this recipe, you will need 8 teaspoons of meringue powder and 1/2 cup water.

Cake Decorating With Royal Icing

I love to use this thicker form of royal icing to smooth over cakes and create a blank snowy slate for other decorations. Additionally, my easy royal icing is the perfect consistency for creating a really fun texture. To do this, I get creative with an offset spatula and go to town, creating lovely swirls and peaks.

FAQs And Troubleshooting Royal Icing

How long does it take for royal icing to dry?

The royal icing will begin to set after one hour, forming a nice skin. After 4-6 hours, the icing will harden completely — holding whatever form you give it while decorating.

How long does royal icing last? How do I store royal icing? 

Before using royal icing, keep it covered tightly at room temperature (cling wrap works wonders, just make sure it’s touching the surface). Use it straight away or store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Once used and dried, royal icing will remain intact for up to one month, preserving all of your beautiful decorations.

Why isn’t my royal icing stiff enough?

If your royal icing is the consistency you’d like, add a little more sifted powdered sugar. If it is too stiff, add a bit more water! 

Can you flavor royal icing?

If you’d like to make flavored royal icing for your cake, use alcohol or water-based flavoring, like my homemade vanilla extract! 

Can you color royal icing?

Yes! You can add food coloring to your royal icing. I like to use gel coloring as it will give you the most color and contains just a little liquid so that it won’t throw off your icing consistency. 

Tools You Need To Make Royal Icing For Cake Decorating

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bain-marie (or a heat-proof bowl situated over a pot of simmering water)
• Whisk
• Stand mixer with whisk attachment or handheld electric mixer

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Royal Icing

• You can use this recipe to decorate cookies as well. Learn more about Royal Icing For Cookie Decorating. 
• Use this recipe to build gingerbread houses or decorate my Irish Christmas Cake.
• Be sure to coat your cake before applying royal icing. You can use marzipan, fondant, buttercream, or a syrup. This is done to seal the moisture in the cake and prevent it from going dry.

Try More Icing Recipes!

• Royal Icing (for Cookie Decorating!)
• Homemade Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)
• Best Ever Buttercream Frosting

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