Twelve Minute Frosting *

Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

A fluffy, glossy frosting that comes together in just twelve minutes, perfect for quick decorating and sweetening cakes or cupcakes with a light vanilla flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 5 scant tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Cook in a double boiler for 12 minutes, beating the entire time with an egg beater.
  2. After beating for 12 minutes, beat until the mixture is cool and then spread.

Tips & Substitutions

When making Twelve Minute Frosting, ensure your mixing bowl is completely grease-free for the egg whites to whip properly. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with lemon juice or white vinegar in equal amounts. For a more decadent flavor, consider adding a bit of cocoa powder to create a chocolate version. This frosting is perfect for decorating cakes like Applesauce Cake With Raisins.

Serving Suggestions

This light and fluffy frosting is ideal for topping layer cakes or cupcakes. It pairs beautifully with rich chocolate cakes or fruit-flavored desserts. Consider using it to frost Aunt Twila'S Bacon Waffles for a unique brunch treat. For a delightful contrast, serve it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Twelve Minute Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If it firms up, you can gently rewhip it before using. Avoid freezing the frosting, as it may not retain its texture when thawed. To refresh it, let it come to room temperature and rewhip lightly to restore its fluffy consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Twelve Minute Frosting * contains roughly 607 calories, with 1g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.

607 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 94.3g 34% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 11.4g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 79.4mg 3% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 9.1mg 10% DV
Calcium 26.6mg 2% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 pasteurized egg whites instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use pasteurized egg whites for safety reasons, especially if you're concerned about consuming raw eggs. Just ensure to use the equivalent amount as stated in the recipe. Pasteurized egg whites whip well and should give you a similar texture for the frosting.

What should I do if my frosting doesn't thicken?

If your frosting isn't thickening, ensure you are beating it continuously and that your double boiler is at the right temperature. The mixture should be warm enough to create a stable emulsion but not so hot that it cooks the egg whites. If it still doesn't thicken, try beating it longer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I flavor the frosting with something other than vanilla?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavor of your Twelve Minute Frosting by adding extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist. Just add a half teaspoon of your chosen extract during the mixing process. This versatility allows you to pair the frosting with various cakes and desserts, enhancing their flavor profiles.

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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