Icing can be formed into shapes such as flowers and leaves using a pastry bag. Such decorations are commonplace on birthday and wedding cakes. Edible dyes can be added to icing mixtures to achieve a desired hue. This can be flavored and colored as desired, chocolate frosting example, by using lemon juice in place of the water.
The method of application largely depends on the type and texture of icing being used. Covering cakes with powdered sugar or other materials was introduced in the 17th century. The icing was applied to the cake then hardened in the oven. The earliest attestation of the verb ‘to ice’ in this sense seems to date from around 1600, and the noun ‘icing’ from 1683. Oxford English Dictionary, Third Edition, s.
The Food Timeline: cake history notes”. Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd edition, 2012, s. FREE BONUS: 5 Secrets to Be a Better Cook! This American Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is silky, whipped, decadent, and chocolatey with just the right amount of sweetness. It spreads and pipes beautifully over cakes and Chocolate Cupcakes.