Try these frosting flavors on donuts, cupcakes, or cakes!
For a decadent dessert upgrade, you just need one thing: fancy-flavored frosting.
Chef Nettie Frank proved that a homemade frosting, infused with vibrant and unexpected flavors, can completely transform any treat.
Nettie shared six standout frosting flavors—chocolate ganache, lemon orange, raspberry, lemon-lime, raspberry torte, and key lime crumble. These versatile toppings pair perfectly with glazed donuts and work just as beautifully on cupcakes or cakes.
One standout: The Key Lime Crumble Donut. A simple glazed donut topped with tart, creamy frosting and a graham cracker crunch. It’s like a handheld slice of key lime pie.
Chocolate Ganache Frosting
INGREDIENTS
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
METHOD
Add all ingredients to a mixer. Using a whisk attachment, mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high for 1 minute, until smooth and fluffy.
Raspberry Frosting
INGREDIENTS
- 12 oz frozen raspberries, thawed
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, whisked
METHOD
Puree raspberries and measure out 1/2 cup. Add puree and powdered sugar to a mixer. Whisk on low for 30 seconds, then high for 1 minute, until smooth and fluffy.
Lemon Orange Frosting
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 lemon, zested
- 1 orange, zested
- 1/3 cup combined lemon and orange juice
- 4 cups powdered sugar
METHOD
Add all ingredients to a mixer. Whisk on low for 30 seconds, then high for 1 minute, until smooth and fluffy.
Key Lime Frosting
Pair this Key Lime Frosting with Nettie’s Graham Cracker crumble for a duo that can’t be beat.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lime, zested
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1 drop green food coloring
- 1 drop yellow food coloring
- 4 cups powdered sugar
METHOD
Add all ingredients to a mixer. Whisk on low for 30 seconds, then high for 1 minute, until smooth and fluffy.
Graham Crumb Topping (For Key Lime Crumble)
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) butter, melted
- 1 cup graham crackers, crushed
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
METHOD
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until crumbs hold tight when pressed.
Raspberry Torte Frosting
This frosting is a mix of white chocolate and raspberry frosting with a graham cracker crumb.
White Chocolate Frosting
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 3/4 cups powdered sugar
METHOD
- Whip cream cheese, butter, and vanilla for 30 seconds.
- Melt white chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Add to cream cheese mixture, whip for 30 seconds.
- Scrape bowl sides, add powdered sugar, and mix on low for 30 seconds, then high for 1 minute.
Raspberry Frosting
- 12 oz frozen raspberries, thawed
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, whisked
METHOD
- Puree raspberries and measure out 1/2 cup.
- Add puree and powdered sugar to a mixer.
- Whisk on low for 30 seconds, then high for 1 minute, until smooth and fluffy.
Graham Crumb Topping
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, melted
- 2 cups graham crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp sugar
METHOD
Mix all ingredients until crumbs hold together.
Storage Tip: Homemade frosting stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using again.
Find more recipes from Nettie on Instagram, @chefnettiefrank, or at chefnettie.com.
Find Nettie’s donut cookbook here.
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