If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that perfect fluffy, glossy, and sweet frosting for your cakes or cupcakes, Seven Minute Frosting is your answer! This old-fashioned frosting is light as air and creates a beautiful finish that pairs wonderfully with vintage-style cakes, especially coconut or chocolate. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and adds an elegant touch to any dessert.
Ingredients
2 large egg whites
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup water
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare a Double Boiler:
I start by filling a saucepan with about 1–2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. I place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
Combine Ingredients:
In the heatproof bowl, I combine egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Then, I whisk everything together until well blended.
Cook and Whisk:
With the bowl over the simmering water, I beat the mixture with a hand mixer on low speed. Gradually, I increase the speed to high and continue beating for about 7 minutes, or until stiff peaks form and the frosting becomes glossy.
Add Vanilla:
I remove the bowl from the heat and immediately beat in the vanilla extract. I continue beating for an additional 1–2 minutes to help cool the frosting slightly.
Use Immediately:
Finally, I spread or pipe the frosting onto my cake or cupcakes while it’s still warm. It will set as it cools, giving a perfect finish.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields enough frosting to generously cover an 8-inch cake or a dozen cupcakes. The preparation time is just 7 minutes, making it perfect for when I need a quick frosting solution without compromising on texture or taste.
Variations
Chocolate Seven Minute Frosting: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder when mixing the egg whites for a delicious chocolate twist.
Coconut Flavor: For a tropical flair, I love adding a teaspoon of coconut extract instead of vanilla.
Lemon or Orange Zest: I sometimes stir in some citrus zest for a refreshing twist. A little lemon or orange zest brightens up the frosting beautifully!
Storage/Reheating
I recommend using this frosting immediately after making it for the best texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Since it can lose its glossy texture as it sits, I suggest gently reheating it over a double boiler or in the microwave with a splash of water to restore its smoothness.
FAQs
How can I ensure the frosting forms stiff peaks?
To make sure the frosting forms stiff peaks, I beat the mixture on high speed and closely watch for the frosting to hold its shape when the beaters are lifted. If it looks glossy and thick, it’s ready!
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
While Seven Minute Frosting is best used immediately, I can make it a few hours ahead of time and store it in a cool place. Just remember it may lose some of its fluffiness as it cools.
Is it possible to make this frosting without a double boiler?
I’ve had success using a heatproof bowl over a saucepan as a makeshift double boiler. However, I do recommend using an actual double boiler for the most consistent results.
Can I use this frosting on a cake that’s already cooled?
I definitely recommend using this frosting while it’s still warm. As it cools, it sets, and I find it’s much easier to spread when slightly warm.
What can I do if the frosting becomes too thick while mixing?
If the frosting becomes too thick, I simply add a teaspoon of warm water at a time, continuing to mix until I achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Seven Minute Frosting is one of those timeless recipes that I always turn to when I want something that’s both quick and impressive. Its light, airy texture and glossy finish make it perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for flavor variations like chocolate, coconut, or citrus. This frosting is a crowd-pleaser that will never go out of style.
Recipe:
Seven Minute Frosting
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: Enough to cover an 8-inch cake or 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Seven Minute Frosting is the perfect frosting for cakes and cupcakes, offering a light, glossy, and sweet finish. This simple, old-fashioned frosting is quick to make and adds an elegant touch to your desserts. Customize it with chocolate, coconut, or citrus flavors for a unique twist!
Ingredients
2 large egg whites
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup water
¼ tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan with 1–2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.
- Combine Ingredients: In the heatproof bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar, water, and cream of tartar until well blended.
- Cook and Whisk: Beat the mixture with a hand mixer on low speed, then increase to high. Continue beating for about 7 minutes until stiff peaks form, and the frosting becomes glossy.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the bowl from heat and beat in the vanilla extract for 1–2 minutes.
- Use Immediately: Spread or pipe the frosting onto your cake or cupcakes while warm. It will set as it cools.
Notes
Storage: Use the frosting immediately for the best results. Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to a day, but it may lose its glossy texture. Reheat gently over a double boiler or microwave with a splash of water.
Variations: For a chocolate twist, add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. For a tropical flavor, swap vanilla with coconut extract, or add citrus zest for a refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stove-top, Hand Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Enough to cover an 8-inch cake or 12 cupcakes
