How to Make an Excellent Royal Icing

Royal icing can be colored and used to write lettering on cakes.

Royal icing is pure white and when it sets provides a smooth, matte finish that is great to work with, according to the Joy of Baking website. The icing can be easily and brightly colored, making it ideal for everything from cookies to borders and lettering on cakes.

Things You'll Need

• 2 egg whites
• 3 cups of confectioners sugar
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon flavoring (vanilla or almond extract, or lemon juice)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Mixer

Instructions

1. Combine the ingredients in the mixer bowl.

2. Mix at high speed for five to seven minutes, or until the mixture forms soft peaks when you raise the mixer. The peak should form and then fall slightly in a curl.

3. Use to frost an 8- or 9-inch two-layer cake or one 9-by-13 single-layer cake. You also can use the mixture as a glue and icing for a gingerbread house or a sweets tree for a buffet party or holiday gathering.

Tips & Warnings

• This icing is best made and used fresh.

• To eliminate the risk of Salmonella poisoning, substitute dry powdered egg whites for the raw egg whites. For each egg white, use 2 level teaspoons of powdered egg whites plus 2 tablespoons of warm water.

• Any time you consume raw or undercooked eggs you run the risk (albeit a small risk) of Salmonella poisoning.

References

• JoyofBaking.com: Royal Icing