Skip to main content

Seven-Minute Frosting

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes enough for one 9-inch 4-layer cake or 12 jumbo cupcakes

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
6 large egg whites

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small, heavy saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, the corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. (Rub a bit between your fingers to make sure there is no graininess.)

    Step 2

    Raise heat to bring to a boil. Do not stir anymore. Boil, washing down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water to prevent the sugar from crystallizing, until a candy thermometer registers 230°F, about 5 minutes. (Depending on the humidity, this can take anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes.)

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2 1/2 minutes. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Remove the syrup from the heat when the temperature reaches 230°F (it will keep rising as the pan is removed from the heat). With the mixer on medium-low speed, pour the syrup in a steady stream down the side of the bowl (to avoid splattering) containing the egg white mixture.

    Step 4

    Beat the frosting on medium until cool, 5 to 10 minutes. The frosting should be thick and shiny. Use immediately.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like chocolate pudding and miso-peanut hibachi chicken.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Because most of us do!
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.