White Fluff Icing

Prep: 10 min Cook: 4 min Cuisine: American

A light, fluffy white icing with a smooth texture, perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes, offering a sweet vanilla flavor that appeals to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons white Karo syrup
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients, except vanilla, in the top of a double boiler.
  2. Beat with a mixer at high speed over boiling water until the icing stands in soft peaks when you lift the beaters out of the icing (about 4 minutes).
  3. Remove from the boiling water and mix a few strokes more.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. If you're out of cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. To make the icing a bit sweeter, you could increase the sugar slightly. This icing pairs beautifully with John'S Pumpkin Cake for a delightful dessert.

Serving Suggestions

This light and airy icing is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies. It works wonderfully with Chocolate Swiss Cake or can be used to complement fruity desserts like Karen'S Fruit Cobbler. For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive it, gently re-whip with a mixer until fluffy again. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become grainy once thawed. For best results, use it fresh.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Fluff Icing contains roughly 166 calories, with 10g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (94% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

166 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 0.2g
Carbs 30.5g 11% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 646.9mg 28% DV
Potassium 4400.8mg 94% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 23.8mg 2% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Using powdered sugar will alter the texture of the icing, making it more dense and less fluffy. Granulated sugar is essential for achieving the light, whipped consistency that defines this icing. If you need a sweeter option, consider adding a little extra granulated sugar instead.

What can I do if my icing isn't forming soft peaks?

If your icing isn't forming soft peaks, it could be due to under-beating or the egg whites not being at the right temperature. Ensure you beat the mixture over simmering water, and continue until you see the peaks forming. If your egg whites are cold, they may not whip properly; try letting them sit at room temperature before using.

Is there a way to make this icing more flavorful?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by adding extracts such as almond, lemon, or peppermint in place of vanilla. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste. For a fun twist, try incorporating a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate version that complements a variety of cakes.

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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