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Old-Fashioned 7 Minute Frosting Recipe

Old-Fashioned 7 Minute Frosting Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Combine egg whites, sugar, water, cream of tartar, and salt in the mixing bowl, creating a smooth, initial mixture.
  3. Whisk the ingredients continuously while positioned over the simmering water, maintaining a consistent motion to help sugar dissolve and prevent uneven heating.
  4. Monitor the mixture’s temperature, gently beating with a handheld mixer until it reaches approximately 160°F, which typically takes 4-5 minutes.
  5. Remove the bowl from heat source and transfer to a stand mixer or continue with handheld mixer.
  6. Whip the mixture at high speed, watching for transformative changes in texture and volume.
  7. Continue beating until the frosting develops glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape firmly, which usually requires 5-7 minutes of vigorous mixing.
  8. Incorporate vanilla extract with a final quick blend, ensuring even distribution throughout the fluffy mixture.
  9. 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