Store-Bought Frosting Hacks That Make Canned Frosting Taste Homemade

Need a fast frosting fix? These easy store-bought frosting hacks make canned frosting taste like homemade, spread more smoothly, and work beautifully for dipping cookies, brownies, cakes, and cupcakes. No homemade buttercream required.

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How to Make Canned Frosting Taste Homemade

After testing multiple variations, these are my favorite ingredients to make store-bought frosting taste better.

Here are a few easy add-ins:

Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for better flavor.
Whip in a ½ a block of softened cream cheese for a rich cream cheese frosting. A tangy, bakery-style frosting.
Add a big pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Don't underestimate this simple ingredient.
Mix in 2-4 tablespoons softened butter cream flavor frosting.
Stir in jam, caramel, maple syrup, or espresso powder for flavor.
Whip it with a hand mixer for 1-2 minutes to make it lighter.

And if you like other store-bought-made-better hacks, check out my Recipe for Easy Carrot Cake hack.

How to Microwave Canned Frosting

My favorite trick is to microwave canned frosting for dipping, but whip it when I want it to taste more like homemade frosting. Microwaving makes it pourable; whipping makes it lighter and fluffier.

Store-bought frosting can be thick and tricky to spread, especially straight from the container. The easiest fix? Warm it in the microwave.

Microwave the canned frosting in 15-second intervals, stirring between each one, until it becomes smooth, glossy, and easy to drizzle or dip. This simple store-bought frosting hack makes it perfect for dipping cookies, glazing brownies, pouring over cakes, or making canned frosting taste a little more homemade with almost zero effort.

Just don't overheat it. You want it soft and pourable, not lava.

How to Dip Cookies in Frosting

Microwave Canned frosting in 15-second intervals.

Dip Cookies
And let excess drip off and place on baking rack

Microwaved frosting makes cookie dipping so easy. Warm the canned frosting in 15-second intervals, stirring between each one, until it is smooth and pourable.Hold each cookie by one edge and dip the top, half, or one side into the warm frosting. Let the extra frosting drip back into the bowl, then place the cookie on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The rack catches the drips and helps the frosting set without pooling around the cookie.

If the frosting gets too thick while you're working, just microwave it for another few seconds and stir.

You may also love my Valentine's Hand Pies hack. You can make them for any season!

FAQs About Store-Bought Frosting Hacks

Can you microwave canned frosting?

Yes. Microwave canned frosting in 15-second intervals, stirring between each one, until it is smooth and pourable. This works well for dipping cookies, brownies, cake bites, or bundt cakes.

How do you make store-bought frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt, softened cream cheese, or softened butter. These help balance the sweetness and make canned frosting taste more homemade.

What can I add to store-bought frosting?

Vanilla extract, almond extract, softened butter, cream cheese, jam, caramel, maple syrup, cocoa powder, espresso powder, or a pinch of salt all work well.