What is the most common icing used to decorate a cake?

The most common icing used to decorate cakes is buttercream frosting.

Here's why:

* Versatile: Buttercream can be easily flavored, colored, and piped into various designs.

* Stability: It holds its shape well, making it ideal for intricate decorating.

* Taste: Buttercream has a classic, rich, and satisfying flavor.

While other icings like fondant, whipped cream, and royal icing are popular, buttercream remains the most widely used for cake decorating due to its versatility and ease of use.