Fluffy Brown Sugar Icing

📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Sauces A classic boiled icing that gets a delicate caramel color and flavor from brown sugar. This light, fluffy meringue-style frosting is made by beating egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until stiff and glossy.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
5 mins7 minsNoneFrosting for one 8-inch cake

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Double boiler
  • Handheld electric mixer
  • Heatproof bowl

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 CupBrown Sugarpacked
3 TbspWaterroom temperature
1Egg Whitelarge
1 PinchCream of Tartarstabilizer

Instructions

Step 1: Combine and Whip

  1. In the top of a double boiler, combine the 1 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp water, 1 egg white, and 1 pinch cream of tartar.
  2. Place the bowl over simmering water and begin beating with a handheld electric mixer, starting on low speed and increasing to high speed.
  3. Beat constantly for approximately 7 minutes until the icing is thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks that hold their shape.
  4. Remove from the heat and use immediately to frost a cooled cake before the icing sets.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: This frosting must be used immediately after preparation as it sets quickly upon cooling. Do not store for later use.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card