Seven Minute Icing

Name: Seven Minute Icing
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large egg whites; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon corn syrup

Classic fluffy white icing made with a double boiler method. Creates thick, glossy peaks perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes.

6 ingredients-4 steps

Updated Feb 1, 2026

Cook

11 mins

Total

11 mins

AmericanGluten-Free

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

large saucepan
hand mixer
candy thermometer

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

large saucepan
hand mixer
candy thermometer

Instructions

1
Prepare double boiler
Bring 2 inches water to a gentle simmer in a large saucepan.
2
Combine ingredients
Place egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, salt, water, and corn syrup in a very clean bowl.
3
Cook mixture
Place bowl over saucepan and cook, whisking on low speed with a hand mixer, until mixture registers 160°F on a candy thermometer, 8 to 9 minutes.
4
Whisk to peaks
Remove bowl from saucepan and continue to whisk on medium speed until thick, glossy peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes.