Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe

Seven-Minute Frosting

Seven-Minute Frosting is an traditional American frosting that has been around since the early 1900's. It's a fat free meringue frosting that is literally made in seven minutes! It's a glossy bright white with a marshmallowy texture. Seven-Minute Frosting is a cake lovers dream!!!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Mixing on high speed:2 minutes
Total Time12 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake, cupcakes, frosting
Servings: 8 cups (2 tier 9-inch round or 9x13-inch cake)
Author: Louise Rio

Ingredients

  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 3 ½ cups (703.2g) sugar
  • 10 Tbsps (⅔ cup) water
  • 2 Tbsps light corn syrup
  • ½ tsp cream of tartar
  • 2 tsps pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Fill a medium saucepan with 1-inch (2.54 cm) of water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-low to a simmer. In a stainless steel mixer bowl, add the egg whites, sugar, water, light corn syrup, and cream of tartar.
  • Place the bowl on top of the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, on low speed with a hand whisk until an instant read thermometer reads 145°F (66.77°C) and the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. (Remove from heat to check the temperature). Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
  • Add the pure vanilla extract. Whisk on high speed until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and cool to the touch, about 2-3 minutes. Use the frosting immediately on the day it is made because it will only last 24 hours. Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Make sure the stainless steel bowl, whisk attachment, and whisk are clean and dry to ensure egg whites whip properly.
  • The recipe can be halved.
  • Seven-Minute Orange Frosting: Omit the water and substitute with 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice plus 1 teaspoon orange zest and 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
  • Seven-Minute Lemon Frosting: Omit 6 Tablespoons of the water and substitute with 6 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice plus 1 tsp lemon zest.
  • Seven-Minute Penuche or Brown Sugar Frosting: Omit the granulated white sugar and substitute with light or dark brown sugar. Add an additional 1 teaspoon maple, walnut or pecan extract along with the vanilla extract if desired.