Old-Fashioned 7-Minute Frosting Recipe Fluffiest Sweet Finish
Sweet memories of childhood baking swirl around this classic old-fashioned 7 minute frosting that whispers nostalgia from grandmother’s kitchen.
Creamy white peaks rise like delicate clouds, promising pure sugary magic.
Whipping egg whites transforms simple ingredients into a marshmallow-like dream that melts on your tongue.
Home bakers adore this silky smooth topping that crowns cakes with elegance and charm.
Delicate and light, each spoonful feels like a tender embrace of sweetness.
Simple kitchen tools and a bit of patience unlock this dreamy confection that makes every dessert feel special.
Let you adventure into this timeless recipe begin with whisks ready and anticipation high.
Why People Still Love 7 Minute Frosting
What You’ll Need for 7 Minute Frosting
Base Ingredients:Stabilizing Ingredients:Flavor Enhancer:Notes for Ingredients:Whipping Up a Classic 7 Minute Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Water Bath
Fill a small pot with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Select a heatproof bowl that fits comfortably over the pot without touching the water.
Combine all ingredients in the heatproof bowl.
Step 2: Warm the Mixture
Position the bowl over the simmering water. Whisk or use a handheld mixer to blend the ingredients. Continue mixing for 4-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture feels warm. The temperature should reach about 160°F.
Step 3: Whip Into Fluffy Clouds
Remove the bowl from heat. Transfer to a stand mixer or grab a handheld mixer. Beat the mixture on high speed for 5-7 minutes. Watch for glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 4: Finish With Flavor
Drizzle in vanilla extract. Mix briefly until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Frost With Speed
Apply the frosting immediately to cakes or cupcakes. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set and firm up as it cools. Spread evenly and enjoy the marshmallow-like texture.
Tips for Glossy, Fluffy 7 Minute Frosting
Keeping 7 Minute Frosting Soft and Sweet
Desserts That Pair with 7 Minute Frosting
New Takes on 7 Minute Frosting for Today’s Baker
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Old-Fashioned 7 Minute Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Grandma’s classic 7 minute frosting whisks together sugary sweetness with nostalgic charm, creating a pillowy cloud of meringue-like perfection. Light and glossy, this timeless recipe crowns cakes and cupcakes with silky elegance you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Protein Ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (340 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
Stabilizing and Flavoring Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a makeshift double boiler by setting up a heatproof mixing bowl over a pot of gently simmering water, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Combine egg whites, sugar, water, cream of tartar, and salt in the mixing bowl, creating a smooth, initial mixture.
- Whisk the ingredients continuously while positioned over the simmering water, maintaining a consistent motion to help sugar dissolve and prevent uneven heating.
- Monitor the mixture’s temperature, gently beating with a handheld mixer until it reaches approximately 160°F, which typically takes 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from heat source and transfer to a stand mixer or continue with handheld mixer.
- Whip the mixture at high speed, watching for transformative changes in texture and volume.
- Continue beating until the frosting develops glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape firmly, which usually requires 5-7 minutes of vigorous mixing.
- Incorporate vanilla extract with a final quick blend, ensuring even distribution throughout the fluffy mixture.
- Apply the frosting immediately to your desired baked goods, as the texture will gradually set and become less malleable as it cools.
Notes
- Always use room temperature egg whites for the most stable and voluminous frosting.
- Ensure no trace of egg yolk enters the mixture, as fat prevents proper meringue formation.
- Clean your mixing bowl and beaters thoroughly with white vinegar to remove any grease that might prevent peaks from forming.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the precise temperature while heating to guarantee food safety and perfect texture.
- This frosting works best on cakes that will be served the same day, as it can become slightly sticky or weep after 24 hours.
- For stable peaks, add a pinch of cream of tartar which helps stabilize the egg whites during whipping.
- Consider using a stand mixer for consistent and effortless beating, which reduces arm fatigue during the long whipping process.
- If the frosting becomes too stiff, gently fold in a teaspoon of hot water to restore spreadability.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.