If you’re looking for a glaze that is universally loved and has really stood the test of time, look no further than the seven-minute glaze. Since the early 1900s, there’s nothing you can do with this light, fluffy swamp icing. In terms of texture and taste, there is no other icing like it. And like a glaze that cooks on the stovetop, the preparation is a little different than most. (But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s difficult. Your grandmother could handle it and so can you).
The seven-minute frosting cooks in a double boiler on the stove, although if you don’t have a double boiler, a heatproof bowl placed over a pot of boiling water works just fine. Combine all the ingredients-sugar, water, egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer for just 30 seconds. Then you place the bowl over a pan of boiling water (but without touching the water or it will cook too fast) and continue beating for – you guessed it – seven minutes.
The mixture will become thick and shiny. Take it off the heat, add a little vanilla and continue beating for another minute or two. (So it actually takes a little longer than seven minutes, but that’s okay.) You can use light corn syrup instead of cream of tartar if you want, a spoonful should do it, and you can adjust the amount of vanilla to your liking.
This is a glaze you want to make and use it on the day you plan to serve the cake as it will start to decompose and sink into the cake if it stays on too long. You will also want to glaze your baked goods shortly after you finish making the glaze because it will settle and be difficult to spread quickly.
With its meringue or swamp texture, Seven-Minute Frosting is a spreadable product, but not a spreadable one. It gives a sweet, fluffy bite to any cake it covers and is something every baker should try at least once. (But we can promise that it’s good enough that you definitely won’t stop on the first try).
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/3 cup of cold water
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
A pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION
In a medium glass bowl, combine sugar, water, egg whites, cream of tartar and salt.
Place a pan of water on the stove to simmer. Meanwhile, beat the egg mixture with an electric mixer over low heat for 30 seconds. Place the bowl over the pan of water over low heat, forming a double boiler and continue to beat over high heat for 7 minutes, until it is hard and shiny.
Remove from heat, add vanilla and stir for 1 to 2 more minutes.
Use immediately, the glaze will set quickly.