What goes on cake icing or frosting?

Answer 1

Some argue that frosting and icing are the same thing and the terms are used interchangeably, however there are differences in the two. Both however can be used on a cake, depending on the desired end result the person is trying to achieve.

Icing:

Some argue that using the term icing is more professional when referring to cake and cookie icing that pipes well and is more rigid. Icing tends to be more sugary and hardens faster. It appears milky and crystal like and can be used for decorating. It is thinner than cake frosting and is used on ring doughnuts, the glossier carrot cakes, and the lines decorating gingerbread men, as well as many other applications. Icing is most often drizzled, brushed, or poured onto the confection and some times the best way to get the icing on the cake is to dip it in.

Frosting:

Frosting is thicker, creamier, and fluffier than icing. It contains butter and fats, which generally make it richer than icing, and it is more moist and softer than icing. Frosting is usually chocolate or vanilla in flavor and often contains powered sugar. Frosting is generally used on cakes and cupcakes and is piped on or spread on, with a knife or spatula.