Boiled Icing Recipe

Boiled icing, also known as Seven-Minute Frosting, is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for many years. It is a light and fluffy icing that is perfect for cakes and cupcakes. The process of boiling sugar and water together creates a glossy, sweet syrup that is then mixed with beaten egg whites to achieve the desired consistency. The addition of flavorings like lemon, almond, or vanilla gives the icing a delicious taste.

To make Boiled Icing, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoonfuls of boiling water
- 1 egg white
- Lemon, almond, or vanilla flavoring

Start by heating 1 cup of granulated sugar and 5 tablespoonfuls of boiling water in a saucepan. Allow it to boil for about ten to twelve minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture forms a thick syrup. To test if the syrup is ready, drop a small quantity from a spoon and check if it spins a thread.

While the sugar syrup is boiling, beat the white of one egg until stiff peaks form. Once the sugar syrup is ready, gradually pour it into the beaten egg white while continuing to beat. Keep beating until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.

Add your desired flavoring, such as lemon, almond, or vanilla, to the icing and mix well. The flavoring adds a delightful taste to the icing and complements the cake. You can also experiment with other flavors like strawberry or orange, depending on your preference.

Now, it's time to spread the icing on your cake. Before spreading, dip your knife in hot water occasionally. This will help the icing spread smoothly and evenly. Make sure the cake is cooled completely before applying the icing.

For a variation, you can try making almond paste icing. Start by blanching and pounding almonds to make a paste. Add a few drops of essence of bitter almonds for that distinct almond flavor. Dust the top of the cake lightly with flour and spread the almond paste over it. Once the almond paste is nearly dry, cover it with the boiled icing. This combination of flavors creates a delightful twist on the traditional boiled icing.

If you want to add more creaminess to the boiled icing, you can incorporate a pinch of baking powder into the sugar while making the syrup. This will give the icing a smoother texture. Another option is to add a pinch of cream of tartar, which acts as a stabilizer and helps the icing maintain its volume.

For a decadent treat, you can transform your cold, iced cake into a cream chocolate delight. Once the boiled icing has set and the cake has cooled, spread a layer of unsweetened, melted chocolate on top of the icing. This adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the cake, making it a delightful choice for chocolate lovers.

In conclusion, Boiled Icing is a versatile and delicious frosting that can elevate any cake or cupcake. Its fluffy texture, combined with various flavorings, makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you choose to stick to the classic recipe or experiment with almond paste or chocolate variations, the end result will be a beautifully decorated and scrumptious cake.

Similar recipes to Boiled Icing include Swiss Meringue Buttercream and Italian Meringue Frosting. These recipes also involve cooking sugar syrup, similar to Boiled Icing. Swiss Meringue Buttercream is made by whisking egg whites and granulated sugar over a double boiler until the sugar is dissolved and then beating it until fluffy before adding butter. Italian Meringue Frosting involves making a sugar syrup and slowly pouring it into beaten egg whites, resulting in a stable and glossy frosting. Both of these frostings have a creamy texture and are great alternatives to Boiled Icing.