Indulge in the best icing for your angel food cake with this delightful recipe. Despite using only one egg white, this icing yields plenty for a delicious and fluffy topping. The addition of boiling water adds to the light and creamy texture, making it the perfect complement to the airy angel food cake. With a touch of vanilla and cream of tartar, this icing brings out the true essence of your cake. Whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or for a delightful treat, this icing will surely elevate your angel food cake experience.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup boiling water
- 1–2 drops food coloring (red or pink will make pink)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg white, sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar.
- Adding Boiling Water: Add the boiling water all at once to the mixture. Using a mixer, beat the ingredients on high speed for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing becomes light, fluffy, and reaches a good spreading consistency.
- Avoid Overbeating: Ensure you don’t overbeat the icing to prevent it from becoming grainy.
TIPS:
- Beating the Icing: When adding boiling water to the other ingredients, ensure you beat the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes on high speed. This will result in a light, fluffy, and easily spreadable consistency.
- Coloring the Icing: If you wish to add color to the icing, one or two drops of food coloring, such as red or pink, will create a lovely pink hue that complements the angel food cake perfectly.
- Avoid Overbeating: Be cautious not to overbeat the icing, as it can cause the mixture to become grainy. Stop beating once it reaches the desired consistency.
VARIATIONS:
- Coffee Infusion: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water into the icing. The subtle coffee flavor will add depth to the icing and complement the angel food cake wonderfully.
- Nutty Crunch: For a delightful texture, stir in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. The added crunch will give the icing a delightful nutty flavor.
- Cream Cheese Dream: For a creamier and tangier version, blend in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the icing mixture. This variation will create a luscious cream cheese icing that perfectly complements the lightness of the angel food cake.
- Chocolaty Indulgence: For a chocolate lover’s dream, blend in ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the icing mixture. This will create a rich and decadent chocolate icing that beautifully contrasts with the delicate angel food cake.
- Minty Freshness: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the icing for a refreshing and minty twist. This variation is perfect for the holiday season or as a delightful surprise any time of the year.
To serve, spread this delightful icing over your angel food cake, and enjoy the fluffy, light, and flavorful combination. And remember, while folding in flour or mixing, be gentle with the batter to retain the airy egg whites and achieve the perfect consistency. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have an unforgettable angel food cake experience!
