Can I Use a Firmer Icing?

by Emma Sanderson
(Carlisle)

Hello there I have four dogs.
Pippa and Mitch (Mini Jack Russell's)
Chico the Chihuahua & Izzie the English mastiff pup.

I would like to bake them a cake or make them some "fancy" cookies. I was wondering if I could decorate a cake with a firmer icing rather than a soft one? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Chef's Answer ~ Well, I'm unclear on what you're asking. So, I'll answer in two ways and hopefully that will answer your one question! :)

1.) If you are looking for a "firmer icing" that will harden when dry..........Then you may be referring to a type of icing called royal icing. The concern with this type of recipe is that it consists primarily of powdered sugar. Since dogs do not need added sugar to their diet, I'm hesitant to use this type of dog treat icing on homemade dog cookies. However, if it is given in moderation, infrequently and to dogs that are not obese, then it is an acceptable indulgence. One recipe for royal icing is:

• 2 cups of powdered or confectioners sugar


• 1 ½ tbsp. Meringue powder (can be found in most baking supplies areas of a major grocery store)


• 1/4 cup warm water

Using an electric mixer, mixing on the low speed, combine all three ingredients together for 5-7 minutes. The consistency that you are looking for is when you lift the beater a ribbon of icing that falls back into the bowl will remain on the surface for a few seconds before reincorporating. You may need to add more powdered sugar or water to attain this consistency.

When working with the icing, be sure to keep it covered. It will dry quickly when exposed to air. You can cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Then color the icing with food coloring liquid or paste.

2.) However, you may be asking about a “firmer icing” that is thicker than a icing or glaze. If that is the case then what you would need to keep in mind is that with a firm or thick frosting, you will need to apply it in a thick layer to avoid tearing or crumbling the cookie or cake while decorating. I would recommend starting with a firm cake, like the meaty dog cake recipe, then add the potato dog treat frosting.

I hope that helps answer your questions!

By the way, thanks for sharing your picture, Izzie is just adorable!