Classic Coconut Boiled White Icing
📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Sauces A light, fluffy, and glossy boiled icing, perfect for a classic coconut cake. This stable meringue-style frosting is made by whipping a hot sugar syrup into beaten egg whites.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 15 mins | None | Frosting for a three-layer cake |
🔪 Key Equipment
- heavy-bottomed saucepan
- candy thermometer
- electric mixer
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups | Sugar | granulated |
| 1 cup | Water | room temperature |
| 6 tablespoons | Karo Syrup | white |
| 6 | Egg Whites | large, room temperature |
| 1/3 cup | Powdered Sugar | sifted |
| 2-3 cups | Coconut | shredded, for layering and coating |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and 6 tablespoons Karo syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue to boil, without stirring, until the syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (238°F / 114°C) on a candy thermometer.
Step 2: Whip the Meringue
- While the syrup is boiling, beat the 6 egg whites in a large, clean mixing bowl on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- With the mixer still running on high speed, very slowly and carefully pour the hot syrup in a thin, steady stream into the beaten egg whites.
- Continue beating constantly until the icing is thick, glossy, and holds its shape.
Step 3: Finish and Assemble
- Add the 1/3 cup powdered sugar and beat until just combined.
- Spread the icing on the first layer of a cooled cake and sprinkle with 2-3 cups coconut. Add the second layer and repeat. Place the third layer on top, then ice the top and sides of the entire cake and sprinkle generously with coconut.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: This icing is best used immediately while fresh and glossy. It does not store well for long periods as it may lose its structural integrity.
Original Recipe Scan
