Nan’s Double Boiled Icing Recipe: A Timeless Favorite
As a little girl, I always looked forward to the moment when I could lick the spatula of Nan’s birthday cake recipe. Nan’s double-boiled icing is an effortless addition to any cake mix, creating a timeless and cherished favorite.
Double-boiled icing is your go-to recipe to add a touch of elegance and a glossy finish to your baked creations. This classic icing is visually stunning and simple to make. It is perfect for decorating cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the ideal double-boiled icing.
This time, I started by making a traditional box cake so we could move quickly into Nan’s double-boiled icing recipe. Chocolate cake with this icing is one of my favorite mixes. Try chocolate fudge or devil’s food cake for ideas. I used two round cake pans, but you can use any pan shape. I prefer a layered cake option, round or square, so I can also put the icing between the layers.
This post is about how to make double-boiled icing.
How to make Double Boiled Icing
How simple are these ingredients? You might be surprised that you can easily make this boiled icing recipe with these four ingredients plus water.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
Is the Type of Sugar Important?
- Be sure to use old-fashioned brown sugar in this recipe.
- You can swap out the brown sugar for white granulated sugar for a white mixture rather than an off-white mixture.
How to Make Nan’s Double Boiled Icing Recipe
- Prepare Your Equipment:
- Ensure that all your mixing bowls, the top of your double boiler, and utensils are free from grease or moisture. This is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Set Up Your Double Boiler:
- Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with a few inches of water, place it on your stovetop, and bring it to a simmer until the sugar is melted. Place the top pot or heatproof bowl over the simmering water, ensuring it doesn’t touch it.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Combine all ingredients in the top pot or heatproof bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture slowly for 1-2 minutes until it froths like a hot syrup.
- Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form:
- Increase the speed to medium-high and beat the mixture until the hot sugar syrup reaches stiff peaks. The icing should stand firmly when the beaters are lifted from the bowl. The texture should be glossy and smooth.
- Add Flavor:
- Add vanilla extract and fold it in with a spatula.
- Cool and Use:
- Once your icing is ready, remove the bowl from the double boiler and let it cool slightly before using.
- Decorate:
- Use the fluffy frosting immediately to decorate your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. It’s best applied while still slightly warm for smooth spreading or piping.If using a spatula helps to form peaks, which give it an elegant look.
Find the Measurements and Full Recipe Below: Jump to Recipe
Honestly, I don’t have a double boiler pot yet. You can use two pots or a metal mixing bowl that fits snugly inside each other. Use an oven mitt to protect yourself from rising steam while using the electric mixer over the hot stove as a safety tip.
After reading this post, my grandmother purchased me a double-boiler pot as a gift. It is much more convenient and a special gift I will treasure.
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What you’ll love about Nan’s Double Boiled Icing:
Why is my frosting grainy?
- If your frosting has a grainy texture the first time you make it, the syrup wasn’t cooked long enough to dissolve the sugar crystals before mixing. You are looking for soft peaks with a smooth and creamy texture.
What to do with left over frosting?
- I rarely have any leftovers, but you could put them in an airtight container for the next day. I suggest whipping again before using, even with a whisk attachment or rotary beater.
What do I do with the egg yoke?
- You should try this recipe: Easy Low-Carb Lemon Curd Dessert.
Nan’s Double Boiled Icing
Equipment
- Double Boiler Pot or Metal Bowl
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cake Decorating Icing Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned brown sugar
- 5 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Using your double boiler pot, combine all ingredients except vanilla in the top pot or heatproof bowl.
- Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture slowly for 1-2 minutes until it froths like a hot syrup.
- Increase the speed to medium-high and beat the mixture until the hot sugar syrup reaches stiff peaks. The icing should stand firmly when the beaters are lifted from the bowl. The texture should be glossy and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and fold it in with a spatula.
- Once your icing is ready, remove the bowl from the double boiler and let it cool slightly before using. You can adjust the consistency with a few drops of water if it becomes too thick.
- Use the fluffy frosting immediately to decorate your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. It’s best applied while still slightly warm for smooth spreading or piping.
Notes
- You can add sprinkles and candles or serve it plain. The goodness is in the frosting!
- Note: Nutrition facts are for the icing only.
Nutrition
Start a Family Tradition
Enjoy creating beautifully decorated treats with Nan’s double-boiled icing. It’s a way to add a professional touch to your baking, and the best part is that you’ll be able to create memories that last a lifetime with this favorite frosting from our family recipe journal.
Did you make this recipe?
If you tryed my Grandmother’s Double Boiled Icing recipe, please leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed this yummy frosting!
Hey there, I’m Cheryl
I’m a proud mom, wife, business professional, and Maritimer who loves decorating and organization. From daily essentials to interior design, join me as I share my next project, plan, or tutorial. Using simple planning and organization strategies, I love to help folks like you bring more beauty and harmony into your lives and living spaces.
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Let’s bring the joy back to mealtime! Explore our kitchen organization hacks to help you plan and cook up simple, tasty dishes. Join Living Life Beautiful as we open our family recipe journal to share beloved classics and delicious finds.
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