Canned cinnamon rolls are a quick and easy breakfast staple for many people. They provide a sweet, comforting start to the day. While the cinnamon rolls themselves often come out soft and delicious straight from the can, the icing can leave something to be desired. The canned icing tends to be thin, sugary, and lacking in flavor. Luckily, there are several easy ways to jazz up canned cinnamon roll icing to make it more luxurious and tasty.
Add More Butter
One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve canned cinnamon roll icing is to add more butter. The canned icing is typically made with minimal butter or margarine. Adding a couple tablespoons of melted butter will make the icing richer, creamier, and more spreadable. The extra butter also enhances the sweetness and provides more depth of flavor.
To add more butter, simply melt a few tablespoons in the microwave or small saucepan. Mix the melted butter into the prepared icing from the can. If the icing seems too thin still, powdered sugar can be added a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency. The additional butter pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon rolls.
Mix in Cream Cheese
Another dairy product that complements canned cinnamon roll icing wonderfully is cream cheese. Blending just a couple ounces of softened cream cheese into the icing makes it lusciously thick and creamy. Cream cheese also has a tanginess that counters all the sweetness.
Allow a block of cream cheese to come to room temperature to soften. Then, use a fork or spoon to aggressively mix the cream cheese into the prepared icing. Add a touch of milk if needed to reach the ideal consistency. The cream cheese gives the icing more substance and makes it delightfully spreadable without runniness. It adds a lovely texture and flavor boost.
Stir in Vanilla Extract
Real vanilla extract can vastly improve the flavor of any canned cinnamon roll icing. The subtle vanilla notes enhance the sweetness and provide a more complex, indulgent taste. Vanilla also has an inherently comforting aroma and taste that pairs perfectly with cinnamon rolls.
Begin by adding 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the prepared canned icing. Mix it in thoroughly with a spoon or whisk. Taste and add more vanilla up to 1 teaspoon, if desired. The vanilla flavor should complement but not overwhelm the cinnamon. This easy addition makes the icing taste like it came from a bakery, not a can.
Splash in Some Milk
For canned cinnamon roll icing that is thinner and easier to drizzle, a splash of milk is the perfect addition. Milk also lightens and softens the icing’s texture. Choose regular whole milk or dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk. The small amount of milk gently thins out the icing consistency without sacrificing flavor.
Start by adding just 1-2 tablespoons of milk to the prepared icing and whisk thoroughly. Add additional tablespoons of milk until reaching the desired drizzling or dipping consistency. Too much milk can make the icing runny and compromise the structure when topped on the cinnamon rolls. But just a splash provides a lovely light texture.
Mix in Your Favorite Extract
Beyond classic vanilla, experiment with other extracts to create more unique cinnamon roll icing flavors. Almond, lemon, coconut, and maple extracts can all be stirred in to exciting effect. Choose extracts that will complement the cinnamon rather than clash with it. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of extract added to the prepared icing and adjust to taste.
Almond extract adds a lovely nutty nuance. Lemon brightens with citrus zest. Coconut provides tropical flair. Maple brings robust sweetness and earthiness. Clear extracts work best so the icing doesn’t become tinted. Get creative with extracts to make each batch of cinnamon rolls feel special and new.
Stir in Spices
Warm spices like ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves can be blended into canned cinnamon roll icing to amp up the flavor beautifully. They enhance the cozy, comforting spices already in the dough and filling. As with extracts, start with 1/4 teaspoon of ground spice and add more to taste.
Ginger adds zing and brightness. Nutmeg provides a more complex sweetness. Cardamom brings a hint of chai flavor. Cloves enhance the warmth. Whisk the spices vigorously into the icing so they incorporate evenly throughout. Spiced icing pairs wonderfully with classic cinnamon as well as more daring fillings like pecan, pumpkin or cranberry.
Drizzle in Flavored Syrups
For convenience, bottled flavoring syrups can be drizzled right into canned cinnamon roll icing. Syrups like caramel, pumpkin spice, chocolate, coconut, hazelnut or maple all make tasty additions. Drizzle in a tablespoon or two and then whisk to fully incorporate.
The syrups add instant flavor, color, and sweetness to icing. A dark syrup like chocolate can be swirled in for visual appeal but whisked fully to distribute the rich taste. Brighter syrups like caramel or pumpkin spice mix throughout more evenly. Flavor possibilities are endless with the range of flavored syrups available.
Blend in Sweetened Condensed Milk
For ultimate indulgence, blend a couple tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into your canned cinnamon roll icing. The condensed milk adds luxurious richness, thickness and caramel-like sweetness. Just a small amount makes a big impact on flavor and texture.
Start with 1-2 tablespoons of condensed milk and whisk thoroughly into the icing. Add just a touch more milk or cream if needed to reach a spreadable consistency. The sweetened condensed milk gives the icing a silky, decadent boost reminiscent of diner-style cinnamon rolls. It takes the flavor over the top.
Add Powdered Sugar as Needed
After mixing any of the above ingredients into canned cinnamon roll icing, the consistency may become a bit loose. Powdered sugar can be added a tablespoon at a time to return the icing to the desired thickness for topping cinnamon rolls.
Whisk in the powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the right texture is reached. Add too much and the icing can become gritty and overly thick. But a bit of extra powdered sugar absorbs any extra moisture and helps hold the shape when generously spread or piped on top of the rolls.
Get Creative with Fun Mix-Ins
In addition to the traditional mix-in ideas above, you can also get creative and play around with more unique ingredients in canned cinnamon roll icing. Consider mixing in peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut spread, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, crushed cookies, espresso powder, or other fun surprises.
The key is to start with small amounts like 1-2 tablespoons and adjust to taste. You want the additions to complement and enhance the cinnamon flavor rather than overwhelm. Let the cooked cinnamon rolls cool slightly before topping with any items that may melt or disintegrate when heated. Get creative and come up with your own signature icing!
Ideas for Adjusting Canned Cinnamon Roll Icing Consistency
The ideal cinnamon roll icing consistency depends on personal preference and how the icing will be used. Here are some guidelines for adjusting canned icing thickness:
- Thinner, drizzling icing: Add more milk, juice or water a tablespoon at a time
- Thicker, more spreadable icing: Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time
- Smoother, creamy icing: Add a couple tablespoons of softened cream cheese or melted butter
- Stiffer icing for decorating: Add more powdered sugar or chill icing briefly in fridge
Test the icing consistency on a spoon – it should slowly run off, not be too thick or thin. Adjust ingredients gradually and mix well until desired consistency is reached. Erring on the side of slightly thicker icing prevents it from becoming runny on the warm cinnamon rolls.
Tips for Using Leftover Icing
Leftover canned cinnamon roll icing should not go to waste! Here are some creative ways to use any extra:
- Spread on toast, biscuits, scones or muffins
- Fill or top donuts, pastries or cookies
- Blend into milkshake, smoothie, yogurt or overnight oats
- Mix into baked goods like cakes, cookies or bars
- Spoon over fresh fruit for an easy dessert
- Drizzle over popcorn or pretzels for sweet snacking
- Swirl into coffee, milk tea or hot chocolate
- Freeze in ice cube trays for flavoring drinks later
Get creative with leftover icing within 3-4 days. The flavored icing adds a special sweet touch to all kinds of treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to thicken canned cinnamon roll icing?
The easiest way to thicken canned cinnamon roll icing is by gradually mixing in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. Allowing the icing to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to overnight will also help thicken it up.
Can I make cinnamon roll icing from scratch instead of using canned?
Yes, absolutely! Homemade icing made from powdered sugar, milk, butter and vanilla will taste incredible on fresh baked cinnamon rolls. Whisk together the ingredients until you reach the desired consistency.
How long does canned cinnamon roll icing last?
Properly stored canned cinnamon roll icing will generally last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover tightly. Leftover icing can also be frozen for 1-2 months.
What can I mix into canned cinnamon roll icing besides vanilla?
Some creative mix-ins for canned icing include cocoa powder, peanut butter, hazelnut spread, cream cheese, caramel sauce, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, crushed peppermint, spices, extracts, and more. Let your imagination run wild!
Should I put icing on cinnamon rolls while still warm or after cooling?
For the best flavor and appearance, wait until the cinnamon rolls have cooled for about 10 minutes before topping with the icing. Piping or drizzling icing on warm rolls can make it melt and run off. Cooling helps the icing set.
Conclusion
Canned cinnamon roll icing provides a quick starting point but often benefits from some simple add-ins. Incorporating ingredients like extra butter, cream cheese, vanilla, or spices takes the icing to the next level. Drizzling in flavored syrups or condensed milk makes it extra decadent. Powdered sugar helps adjust the consistency. With just a few extra ingredients, canned icing can taste like it was freshly made from scratch!