Getting cake frosting really dark depends on several factors including the flavor of the frosting, whether or not you want color and exactly how dark you want it. If you are making homemade frosting, you can add the color during the mixing process. If you are adding powders for color, add it to the dry ingredients for the frosting. If you are using a wet color agent, add it to the frosting with the wet ingredients.
Step 1
Mix in dark cocoa powder and dark chocolate syrup to make a dark brown frosting. The cocoa and syrup will also give the frosting a chocolate flavor.
Step 2
Blend blueberry or blackberry extract into the frosting to make a dark blue color. Coloring with extracts will also give the frosting a fruity flavor.
Step 3
Add beet powder to the frosting to make a dark red color. The beet powder may give the frosting an earthy, beet taste, which you may be able to mask with the other ingredients or by serving it on a heavily flavored cake, such as chocolate or spice cakes.
Step 4
Use one or two packets of unsweetened powdered drink mix to achieve the desired color. As with the fruit extracts, these coloring agents will also add a fruity flavor to the frosting.
Step 5
Mix professional grade food coloring into the frosting. Many manufacturers make coloring specifically for dark frostings. For the best results, use products labeled "no-taste," which will not affect the flavor of your frosting. You can find these food colorings at stores that sell professional cake decorating supplies.
Step 6
Use caramel or chocolate frosting as your base for black, whenever possible. White icing tends to wash out any color you add to it. If the icing is already dark, you won't have to use as much dye to make it black.
Tips and Warnings
- You can also use a combination of wet and dry coloring agents such as beet powder with blueberry extract for a purple color. Add the beet powder to the dry ingredients and the extract with the wet ingredients.
Things You'll Need
- Dark cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate syrup
- Blueberry or blackberry extract
- Beet powder
- Unsweetened powdered drink mix
- Food coloring
References
- "On Cooking: A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals (5th Edition)"; Sarah R. Labensky, et al.; 2010
- "On Baking: A Textbook of Baking and Pastry Fundamentals"; Sarah R. Labensky, et al.; 2004
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