Karo Icing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

Karo Icing is a sweet, glossy frosting made with egg whites, Karo syrup, sugar, and vanilla, perfect for decorating cakes and cookies with a smooth finish.

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Ingredients

  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup Karo syrup
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Beat all ingredients together until very stiff.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. If you want a sweeter version, consider adding a bit more sugar or using powdered sugar for a finer consistency. If Karo syrup is unavailable, light corn syrup can be a good substitute. This icing works wonderfully for decorating cakes or cookies, similar to how you might use icing for Mamaw'S Cinnamon Rolls.

Serving Suggestions

This Karo icing is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies. Consider pairing it with rich chocolate desserts or vanilla cakes to balance the sweetness. It also complements fruity desserts like Easy Cherry Salad, adding a delightful glaze. For a festive touch, use colored sprinkles on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Karo icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using it again, let it come to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its texture. Avoid freezing this icing, as it may separate and lose its stiffness upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Karo Icing contains roughly 307 calories, with 2g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).

307 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 42.2g 15% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 35.1g 70% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 45.9mg 2% DV
Potassium 200.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Calcium 19.5mg 1% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a mixer instead of beating by hand?

Yes, using a mixer is actually recommended for achieving the stiff peaks needed for Karo icing. A stand mixer or hand mixer will save you time and effort, ensuring the ingredients are well combined and aerated.

How can I flavor the Karo icing?

You can add various extracts to flavor your icing, such as almond or lemon, in addition to the vanilla. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to taste, keeping in mind that some flavors can be stronger than vanilla.

Why did my icing not become stiff?

If your icing isn't becoming stiff, it could be due to under-beating the egg whites or having a small amount of yolk in them. Ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and free of grease, and beat the mixture until it holds stiff peaks.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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