By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 4
360 cal · 20 min
Old-Fashioned 7-Minute Frosting
Recipe GLPRe59eceb012b942
A silky, cloud-like frosting made by heating egg whites and sugar over gentle heat until they reach the perfect texture. This classic French-inspired frosting is whipped to glossy, billowing peaks and flavored with vanilla. Perfect for cakes and cupcakes, it creates an airy, meringue-style coating with a delicate sweetness.
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Ingredients
6 ounces egg whites (about 2/3 cup), from 5 to 6 large eggs
12 1/4 ounces granulated sugar (about 1 3/4 cups)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Pour egg whites into a heatproof bowl that fits snugly over a saucepan of gently simmering water (the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water). Add the sugar, salt, and cream of tartar.
Whisk constantly over the simmering water for about 7 minutes, until the mixture reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. This ensures any potential bacteria in the raw eggs is eliminated while the frosting heats and the sugar dissolves.
Transfer the warm mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
Beat on medium-high speed for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the frosting cools slightly and forms glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape.
Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to incorporate it evenly throughout the frosting.
Use the frosting immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, as it will begin to set after several hours. For best results, apply while still slightly warm and fluffy.
Comments
This frosting delivers silky meringue texture with ingredients already in most Charlotte pantries—egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, vanilla, and salt are standard at every major chain. The stated 20 minutes understates reality by about 5 to 8 minutes once you factor in gathering equipment and whisking to stiff peaks, though the cooking time itself is mercifully quick. The real drawback is that it does not keep: it weeps and separates within hours unless chilled continuously, making it a same-day application only and a poor choice for make-ahead bakers. Serves 4 generously as a frosting layer, but expect to use it on a cake the day you make it.
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