Light, glossy, and delicately sweet, this 7 Minute Frosting is the perfect finishing touch for cakes and cupcakes. With its marshmallow-like texture and quick preparation, it’s a timeless favorite for home bakers. Ready in under 10 minutes, this frosting is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light and Fluffy Texture: This frosting is airy and melts in your mouth, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert.
Glossy Finish: The frosting sets with a beautiful sheen, perfect for an eye-catching presentation.
Classic Flavor: With a hint of vanilla and a subtle sweetness, it complements a variety of cakes without overpowering them.
Quick to Make: Ready in just about 7 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute bakes.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with everything from chocolate and lemon cakes to coconut cupcakes.
Key Ingredients
Sugar: Provides the sweetness and structure for the frosting. Granulated sugar dissolves into the mixture, creating a smooth finish.
Egg Whites: The foundation of the frosting, egg whites whip up into a stable foam, giving the frosting its signature fluffiness.
Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and helps achieve stiff peaks, ensuring the frosting holds its shape beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the frosting without overpowering it.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
Gather Ingredients:
Measure out and prepare the following ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/3 cup of cold water
2 egg whites
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Step 1: Initial Mixing
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium glass or heatproof bowl, mix together:
Sugar
Cold water
Egg whites
Salt
Cream of tartar
Stir gently with a spoon or whisk until the sugar starts to dissolve. The mixture should be smooth.
Start Mixing:
Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the mixture for about 30 seconds. This step begins incorporating air into the mixture.
Step 2: Set Up the Double Boiler
Prepare the Double Boiler:
Fill a medium saucepan with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Ensure the water simmers gently to provide steady, even heat.
Position the Bowl:
Place the bowl with the egg white mixture over the saucepan. Ensure the bowl’s bottom does not touch the water to prevent overheating or curdling.
Step 3: Cook the Frosting
Beat Over Heat:
Using the electric mixer on high speed, beat the mixture while it sits over the simmering water.
Continue beating for 7 minutes, or until the frosting becomes:
Thick
Glossy
Forms stiff peaks (peaks that hold their shape when the beaters are lifted).
Monitor Progress:
The heat gently cooks the egg whites, stabilizing the frosting and giving it its light, fluffy texture.
Step 4: Final Touches
Remove from Heat:
Once the frosting reaches the desired consistency, remove the bowl from the double boiler.
Add Vanilla:
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
Beat for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the vanilla is fully incorporated and the frosting is silky smooth.
Step 5: Frost Quickly
Apply the Frosting:
Use the frosting immediately, as it sets quickly.
Spread it over your cake or cupcakes using a spatula, creating decorative swirls or peaks.
Set the Frosting:
The frosting will develop a delicate crust as it sets while maintaining its airy texture inside.
Doubling the Recipe
For Larger Cakes:
To frost larger cakes or multiple layers, double all ingredients.
Follow the same steps, ensuring you beat the mixture thoroughly for the same fluffy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings: Use this frosting to top a chocolate layer cake or a traditional red velvet cake.
Cupcake Finish: Pipe decorative swirls onto cupcakes for a whimsical look.
Coconut Cake: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting for a tropical touch.
Lemon Meringue Pie: Spread the frosting over a lemon pie and torch it lightly for a meringue-like finish.
Layered Desserts: Use it as a filling between cake layers for a light, sweet contrast.
Storage Tips
Best Used Fresh: This frosting is at its peak when used immediately after making, as it starts to set quickly.
Refrigeration: If necessary, store frosted cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The frosting may lose some of its fluffiness over time but will still taste delicious.
Avoid Freezing: The delicate, airy structure of this frosting does not freeze well.
Variations
Citrus Twist: Replace vanilla extract with lemon or orange extract for a citrusy flavor that pairs wonderfully with fruit-based cakes.
Almond Flavor: Add a drop of almond extract for a subtle nutty undertone.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once frosted, drizzle melted chocolate over the cake for a dramatic effect.
Colorful Frosting: Add a drop of gel food coloring for a pastel or vibrant hue to match any theme or occasion.
Peppermint Swirl: Stir in a drop of peppermint extract and add crushed candy canes for a festive holiday version.
Conclusion
With its pillowy texture and sweet, marshmallow-like flavor, 7-Minute Frosting is the perfect finishing touch for any dessert. Whether you’re frosting a chocolate cake, piping onto cupcakes, or adding flair to a fruit tart, this versatile recipe is a must-try. Its elegant look and quick preparation make it a baker’s best friend, no matter the occasion.
So, grab your whisk, heatproof bowl, and get ready to transform your desserts with this timeless frosting!
7 Minute Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 2 egg whites
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Measure out sugar, cold water, egg whites, salt, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
- In a medium heatproof bowl, combine sugar, water, egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar. Stir gently until the sugar starts to dissolve, then use an electric mixer on low speed to beat for about 30 seconds.
- Bring a medium saucepan with a few inches of water to a simmer. Place the bowl with the egg white mixture over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the mixture over the simmering water for 7 minutes, or until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks.
- Remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in vanilla extract and beat for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the frosting is smooth and silky.
- Spread the frosting immediately over cakes or cupcakes, creating decorative swirls or peaks. The frosting will set quickly, forming a delicate crust.
