There are several major varieties of icings that are used for decorating and topping cakes. Buttercream is a soft icing made by creaming butter and icing sugar together. Fondant is a stiff icing that can be rolled out and used to cover cakes. Meringue is a light icing made from egg whites, sugar, and water. Ganache is a rich chocolate icing made from cream and chocolate. Cream cheese icing uses cream cheese, butter and icing sugar for a fluffy texture. Royal icing is a hard icing made from egg whites and sugar used for decorations. Icings are used to improve the appearance and flavor of cakes as well as protecting the