It's easy to make 7 minute frosting in your stand mixer! This fluffy, marshmallow-like frosting is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and cookies - with no double broiler needed. (gluten-free, dairy-free)
Growing up, my family grouped birthdays together into big celebrations. My grandpa and I were both born in December, along with several other family members. Coconut cake with 7 minute frosting was my grandpa's favorite, so it was almost always my birthday cake, too, by default. (No complaints here!) Years after my grandpa's passing, I finally taught myself how to make 7 minute frosting from scratch. It's quite easy to make, and even easier with a stand mixer. If you, like me, don't have a hand mixer or don't care to use a double boiler, you'll love this stand mixer 7 minute frosting!
What is 7 Minute Frosting?
7 minute frosting is a fluffy, shiny, marshmallow-like meringue frosting made with beaten egg whites. It was named for the time it takes to beat the egg whites to stiff peaks - 7 minutes. It's traditionally made in a double boiler on the stove and beaten with a hand mixer while cooking.
Can I Make 7 Minute Frosting Without a Double Boiler or Hand Mixer?
Yes, you absolutely can make seven minute frosting in without using a double boiler. I don't even own a hand mixer, so I use my stand mixer in this easy method. This version isn't quite beaten for 7 minutes because the sugar it boiled first.
How To Make 7 Minute Frosting in a Stand Mixer
- Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan on the stove, then boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar to combine in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Slowly pour the hot sugar into the egg whites while running on high speed.
- Continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vanilla and beat until combined.
- Immediately frost whatever you're frosting.
Pro Tips for Making Stand Mixer 7 Minute Frosting
- Resist the urge to stir the sugar after it has come to a boil. This will help prevent crystal formation in the frosting.
- The stiff peak stage is when the mixture forms peaks that keep their shape (at least somewhat well) when pulled. You'll have to stop the mixer and lift the whisk every once in a while to test for this. If the peaks sink back into the mixture, keep beating.
- You can also use this no double boiler method to make 7 minute frosting with a hand mixer.
- Use 7 minute frosting immediately after making it.
Can 7 Minute Frosting Be Made In Advance?
I don't recommend making 7 minute frosting in advance for 2 reasons. the first is that it hardens as it cools, making it difficult to use. It's easiest to apply to cakes or cupcakes when it's still slightly warm and pliable - right after it's made. The second reason is that the outside tends to get crunchy as it sits, especially if refrigerated. For the best flavor and texture, you should make 7 minute frosting the day you plan to serve it.
What To Frost With 7 Minute Frosting
- In my family, this frosting has always been used on my grandpa's favorite coconut cake. I also have a cupcake version that's delicious!
- You can also use this frosting for cookies or whoopie pies.
- It has the perfect marshmallow-fluff texture and flavor, so it would be yummy on anything s'mores flavored!
Stand Mixer 7 Minute Frosting
It's easy to make 7 minute frosting in your stand mixer! This fluffy, marshmallow-like frosting is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and cookies - with no double broiler needed. (gluten-free, dairy-free)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: enough for 1 layer cake or 24 cupcakes 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: stand mixer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan on the stove, bring sugar and water to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Once boiling, simmer 3 minutes without stirring.
- Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar to combine.
- Once sugar has boiled for 3 minutes, remove from heat. Turn on the stand mixer and slowly pour sugar into the egg whites while beating on high speed. Continue beating until stiff peaks form, usually about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla and beat until just combined.
- Immediately use frosting as it will harden as it cools.
Notes
- You can also use this method to make 7 minute frosting with a hand mixer and no double boiler.
- Resist the urge to stir the sugar after it has come to a boil. This will help prevent crystal formation in the frosting.
- It's best to make 7 minute frosting right before you need to frost your cake or cupcakes. It's easiest to work with and softest just after it's made.
- This frosting will harden and become crunchy in the refrigerator. It's best made the day you plan on serving it.
Keywords: stand mixer 7 minute frosting, easy 7 minute frosting, how to make seven minute frosting in the stand mixer
Kathy Schultz says
This recipe was as easy as you said it would be and it was right up there with the 7 minute frosting my mother-in-law used to make! Every Easter she made a layer cake with coconut cream pudding between the layers, frosted with 7 minute frosting (made, of course, with her hand mixer on the stove top) and covered with coconut. My husband loved it, and would think about it, and wish for it every year - and this year, by golly, he can enjoy it again!
Thank you for sharing your tried and true recipe!
Kaleigh says
Thank you so much for your kind review, Kathy! I am so glad you were able to enjoy a traditional favorite!