Black Royal Icing

If you are looking for an easy black royal icing recipe without royal icing or corn syrup, then this is just the recipe for you!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Resting Time 1

Servings

Calories 59kcal

Start by sifting the confectioners' sugar into a large bowl to remove any lumps.
In a separate bowl, slowly whisk together the warm water, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the sifted sugar, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
Stir in black gel food coloring, adding a little at a time, until you achieve a rich greyish color. (See notes below).
Cover the icing with a damp cloth and let it sit for at least an hour to allow the color to set as well as allow any bubbles to rise.
Use a spatula to stir gently and remove any bubbles. Add more black food coloring if necessary, until you achieve a rich black color.
Lift a whisk or spatula from the icing to test the consistency. The icing should flow smoothly and settle back into itself within 10-15 seconds.
If it's too thick, add a small amount of black food coloring or warm water, a few drops or a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
If the icing is too thin, thicken it by gradually whisking in more sifted confectioners' sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

Start with a small amount and mix until you obtain a deep greyish tone. Cover the icing with a damp cloth and let it sit. Remember that the black color deepens as the icing sits. Mixing it a few hours in advance, is therefore ideal.