Frosting is a sweet cake topping made from powdered sugar and fat, often butter, shortening, or cream cheese. Common styles include buttercream, cream cheese frosting, whipped frosting, glaze, and ganache. It is used on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and dessert bars.
Recipes and store-bought tubs may include vanilla, cocoa, food coloring, sprinkles, or flavor extracts. Frosting is usually high in sugar and fat, and richer versions may also include dairy. Sugar-free products are a separate concern because some use xylitol.
Decorating frostings are sometimes concentrated with food dyes, fondant pieces, and candy toppings that add more sugar and fat per bite. Bakery frostings can also include stabilizers and flavor emulsions. Even scraped leftovers from plates are richer than they look.
For pets, frosting is an empty-calorie treat that may upset digestion even in small portions. Chocolate and xylitol-containing frostings should be avoided completely. Pets most often encounter frosting on dessert plates, cupcake wrappers, and mixing bowls, so cleanup access matters.
