Name: Seven-Minute Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Ingredients: 3 egg whites; 1 1/2 c. superfine sugar; 1/3 c. water; 1 T. cornstarch or unflavored gelatin; 1/2 tsp. cream of tarter; 2 tsp. vanilla; pinch salt

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Last updated on March 25th, 2025

My vintage inspiration
How to make Seven-Minute Frosting
- Simple Cake Decoration
Favorite cake recipes

Seven-Minute Frosting is made from combining egg whites and sugar over a double-broiler until it becomes light and fluffy to decorate a cake. This icing is made by stirring the mixture over a pot of simmering water or double broiler on top of the stove for about seven minutes until it transforms into a smooth, velvety texture.

This frosting is perfect on classic vintage cakes like my Lady Baltimore Cake.

My vintage inspiration

Vintage Inspiration: 1965 Fannie Farmer cookbook. I’ve made a few modern adjustments to the original recipe. My vintage recipe inspiration came from my very tattered 1965 Fannie Farmer cookbook. I’ve made a few modern adjustments to the original recipe.

How I baked it modern.

How to make Seven-Minute Frosting

STEP #1

Prep

1. Be sure to set out and separate your eggs as part of your prep.
2. In 2 small separate bowls, crack eggs and separate out the egg whites.
3. Set up double broiler or if you don’t have one, take a saucepan and place a small glass bowl or your stainless mixer bowl and set over the pan of boiling water.
4. Measure out sugar, cornstarch, cream of tarter, and salt into a small bowl.

STEP #2

Make the frosting

1. Put the egg whites into the bowl and whisk until foamy.
2. Add the dry ingredients into the bowl and then add the water.
3a. Option 1: Whisk over the heat constantly for about 7 minutes until stiff peaks form and all the sugar is dissolved and not gritty.
3b. Option 2: Whisk together until the sugar is completely dissolved and then move bowl over to stand mixer.

STEP #3

Add flavoring & Mix again

1. Move bowl to stand mixer and add vanilla or other flavor.
2. Beat on high until glossy with stiff peaks form, about another 2-3 minutes.

Simple Cake Decoration

To decorate a cake with Seven Minute Frosting, start by using an off-set spatula and put a large amount of the frosting on the top of the cake. Spread frosting across the top, pushing it down on the sides of the cake. Form a classic spiral pattern on top by starting on the outside edge and spin your cake plate around until you get to the center. Finish the look with a simple garnish of fruit or nuts to complement the flavor profile.