Fluffy Lemon Meringue Frosting

📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Sauces A light and airy cooked meringue frosting featuring a delicate lemon flavor. This classic recipe uses a hot sugar syrup to stabilize whipped egg whites for a glossy, professional finish.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
5 mins10 minsNoneFrosts one 8 or 9-inch cake

🔪 Key Equipment

  • small saucepan
  • electric mixer
  • large mixing bowl
  • candy thermometer

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 cupSugargranulated
1 pinchSaltfine
1 tablespoonKarowhite corn syrup
1/4 cupWaterinferred
2 largeEgg Whitesinferred, room temperature
1 teaspoonLemon Flavoringextract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup sugar, 1 pinch salt, 1 tablespoon white Karo, and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. Continue cooking without stirring until the syrup reaches the thread stage (230-235°F), where it spins a long thread when lifted.

Step 2: Whip and Combine

  1. While the syrup cooks, beat the 2 large egg whites in a large, clean bowl until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  2. Once the syrup reaches temperature, pour it in a thin, steady stream over the stiffly beaten egg whites while beating continuously with an electric mixer on high speed.
  3. Continue to beat until the frosting is thick, glossy, and holds its shape firmly.
  4. Beat in the 1 teaspoon lemon flavoring until fully incorporated, then use immediately to ice the cake.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: This frosting is best used immediately after preparation as it sets quickly. It is not recommended for long-term storage.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card