Ingredients

  • FOR A TWO LAYER CAKE:
  • 3 Egg Whites
  • 9 Tablespoons Cold Water
  • 2-1/4 cups Sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoons Cream Of Tartar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • FOR A THREE LAYER CAKE:
  • 4 Egg Whites
  • 12 Tablespoons Cold Water
  • 3 cups Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cream Of Tartar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

Method

  • Use a stainless steel bowl or the top of a double boiler for this step. (The volume of this will increase quite a bit as you cook and beat it-and most double boilers I have had barely hold the 3 egg recipe. So it might be better to use a large stainless steel bowl set over a large pot of simmering water.) Combine egg whites, cold water, sugar and cream of tarter in the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  • Place over a pot of boiling water and whisk constantly or beat with a hand mixer until the frosting is stiff and holds peaks, about 7 minutes. 7 minutes is for the two-layer cake amount; you'll need to go a bit longer if increasing the recipe.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Let cool, whisking often, then spread on your cake.