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## 👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare Your Equipment
Before starting, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Any residue can prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume. Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with a few inches of simmering water.([mastersofkitchen.com][2])
### 2. Combine Ingredients
In the top of the double boiler, combine the egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, water, salt, and cream of tartar. Place the bowl over the simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.([ihearteating.com][1])
### 3. Beat the Mixture
Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture on low speed for about 30 seconds to combine. Then, increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating for approximately 7 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. The frosting should be glossy and hold its shape when the beaters are lifted.([southernplate.com][3])
### 4. Add Vanilla Extract
Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Continue to beat the frosting for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure it’s well-mixed and slightly cooled.
### 5. Frost Your Cake
Use the frosting immediately to ice your cooled cake or cupcakes. The frosting sets quickly, so it’s best to apply it promptly. If desired, you can toast the top of the frosting lightly with a kitchen torch for a golden finish.
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## 🍰 Tips and Variations
* **Stabilizing the Frosting**: Adding cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites, ensuring the frosting maintains its structure. If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of light corn syrup.([livforcake.com][4])
* **Flavor Variations**: While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with other extracts like almond, lemon, or hazelnut to add unique flavors to your frosting.
* **Coloring the Frosting**: To add a pop of color, you can tint the frosting with gel food coloring. Add the coloring after the vanilla extract and beat until the desired hue is achieved.
* **Storage**: 7-minute frosting is best used immediately, as it can lose its texture over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before reusing, bring the frosting to room temperature and rewhip it to restore its fluffiness.([livforcake.com][4])
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## 🎂 Pairing 7-Minute Frosting with Cakes
7-minute frosting pairs beautifully with a variety of cakes:
* **Chocolate Cake**: The sweetness of the frosting complements the rich, deep flavor of chocolate cake.
* **Red Velvet Cake**: The lightness of the frosting balances the dense texture of red velvet cake.
* **Angel Food Cake**: Enhances the airy texture of angel food cake without overpowering its delicate flavor.
* **Carrot Cake**: Offers a sweet contrast to the spiced flavors of carrot cake.
* **Coconut Cake**: The frosting’s sweetness pairs well with the tropical flavor of coconut.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different cake and frosting combinations to find your perfect match.
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## 🕰️ The History Behind 7-Minute Frosting
The origins of 7-minute frosting can be traced back to the early 20th century. It gained popularity as a quick and economical alternative to butter-based frostings. The method of beating the ingredients over a double boiler was a practical solution before the advent of electric mixers.([livforcake.com][4])
Over the years, 7-minute frosting has remained a staple in American baking, cherished for its nostalgic appeal and versatility. Its marshmallow-like texture continues to evoke memories of homemade cakes and family gatherings.
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## 🧁
[1]: https://www.ihearteating.com/seven-minute-frosting/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Seven Minute Frosting – I Heart Eating”
[2]: https://mastersofkitchen.com/old-fashioned-7-minute-frosting-recipe/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Old Fashioned 7 Minute Frosting Recipe – Masters of Kitchen – Recipes”
[3]: https://www.southernplate.com/7-minute-frosting/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “7-Minute Frosting (Foolproof Recipe) – Southern Plate”
[4]: https://livforcake.com/7-minute-frosting-recipe//?utm_source=chatgpt.com “7 Minute Frosting – Liv for Cake”
