Old-Fashioned 7-Minute Frosting: A Marshmallow Cream Dream for Your Cake!

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When it comes to old-fashioned cake recipes, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about a light, fluffy frosting that tastes just like marshmallow cream. This classic 7-Minute Frosting is a tried-and-true recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and it's beloved for its cloud-like texture and subtle sweetness. Whether you're making a birthday cake, a simple sponge, or a celebratory layer cake, this frosting is the perfect complement to nearly any dessert. It brings just the right amount of sweetness and lightness to the table, without overpowering the flavor of the cake.

For those who love the soft, gooey texture of marshmallow cream, 7-Minute Frosting is a dream come true. It's a meringue-style frosting that gets its name from the seven minutes it takes to whip it into perfection. The process might seem old-fashioned, but the results are timeless. This frosting, while simple in ingredients, brings a delightful, airy touch to any cake. You won’t find this kind of frosting in store-bought options—it’s all about creating that homemade magic.

Recipe: Old-Fashioned 7-Minute Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of sugar
• ⅓ cup of cold water
• 2 egg whites
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Method:

1. In a medium glass bowl, combine the sugar, cold water, egg whites, cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on low for about 30 seconds, until the ingredients are just combined.
2. Meanwhile, bring a small saucepan of water to a simmer. This will be used as the base for your double boiler.
3. Place the glass bowl with the egg white mixture over the simmering water. Using the electric mixer, continue beating the mixture on high speed for about seven minutes. As it beats, the frosting will begin to stiffen and take on a light, fluffy texture.
4. Once the frosting forms stiff peaks and has become glossy, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat the mixture for an additional two minutes until everything is fully incorporated.
5. This frosting sets quickly, so be sure to use it immediately to frost your cake or cupcakes. For a layered cake, you’ll want to double the recipe to ensure you have enough frosting to cover the entire surface.

This frosting is perfect for any occasion and works well with both simple and elaborate cakes. It's especially delightful on classic yellow cakes, devil's food cakes, and even cupcakes. The lightness of the frosting provides a perfect contrast to richer flavors, and the hint of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness.

The Timeless Appeal of 7-Minute Frosting

The beauty of 7-Minute Frosting is in its simplicity. It's not overly sweet or heavy, making it a great alternative to buttercream for those who prefer something a little lighter. Plus, its marshmallow-like texture makes it ideal for creating beautiful, smooth finishes or even soft peaks on your cake.

You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complex techniques—just a mixer, a double boiler, and a bit of patience. The result is a frosting that feels like a light, sweet cloud, bringing a sense of nostalgia to any dessert table. So, whether you're celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just want to add something special to a weeknight cake, this old-fashioned 7-Minute Frosting is sure to please.

Sources:

1. The Kitchn - How to Make 7-Minute Frosting
2. Food Network - Fluffy 7-Minute Frosting Recipe
3. Allrecipes - Seven-Minute Frosting Recipe