The Problem of Black

• A standard white icing is white because it reflects all colors equally, while a black icing must do the exact opposite. Traditionally, bakers have combined multiple colorings to arrive at a passably dark gray color that's almost black. This is problematic because it's difficult to get just the right combination, and by the time you've added that much coloring your frosting starts to have a bitter chemical taste. With liquid food colorings, you also have to worry about diluting your frosting to the point that the texture is affected.

Adding Chocolate

• Starting with white icing makes it very difficult to achieve a true black color. It's much easier if you begin with a darker frosting, and the most convenient way to do that is by adding either cocoa or melted chocolate. The chocolate is naturally dark, and provides a light-absorbing base for your added colors. This makes it much easier for home bakers to achieve a true black, even when you're working with traditional liquid colorings. It also masks the taste of the food coloring. For better results, purchase a professional-quality black food coloring in gel or powder form from a specialty shop or online supplier.

Black Colorings

• Black food colorings are available from a variety of manufacturers. They're made from other colorings, but come pre-mixed in exactly the right combinations to provide a true black. They're very concentrated, so you should add just a small amount at a time until your icing becomes black. Both powders and gels are non-liquid, so they won't affect the consistency of your frosting. They're also less likely to affect the flavor of your frosting, because you use less.

A Few Tips

• When you're making black icing, it's important to allow some extra time. The longer your icing sits the blacker it becomes, as the color matures and deepens. You can either make up your black icing a day before you need it, or decorate your cakes or cookies a day early so the frosting can darken. Some brands of black coloring can show a hint of green in the finished icing. Counter this by adding tiny amounts of red, until it disappears. Other brands can have a faint purple discoloration, which can be countered by adding minute amounts of green. Note that black coloring can stain a plastic bowl.