Marshmallow Icing Recipe

marshmallow icing and enjoy a deliciously moist, chocolatey dessert. Marshmallow icing is a popular choice for many cake and cupcake recipes, adding a fluffy and sweet finish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of chocolate. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a homemade marshmallow icing that will elevate your desserts to a whole new level. But before we dive into the recipe, let's explore the interesting history and fun facts about marshmallow icing.

Marshmallow icing, also known as boiled icing or meringue icing, has been enjoyed for decades, adding a soft and airy texture to various desserts. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with its first documented recipe appearing in a cookbook published in 1912. The popularity of marshmallow icing grew rapidly, and it quickly became a staple in many households.

Fun fact: Did you know that marshmallow icing was originally made with actual marshmallow extract? However, with the availability of gelatin and refined sugar, the recipe evolved to incorporate these ingredients, resulting in the light and fluffy icing we know today.

Now, let's get started with the recipe for marshmallow icing:

Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2-1/2 ounces of chocolate
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- 3/8 cup milk
- 1-1/4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Cream the shortening: In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add sugar, melted chocolate, and mashed potatoes: Slowly add the sugar, melted chocolate, and mashed potatoes to the creamed shortening. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.

3. Incorporate the egg: Add the egg yolk to the mixture and continue mixing until well combined.

4. Sift and add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the mixture, alternating with the milk. Make sure to begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix well after each addition.

5. Add nuts and vanilla extract: Stir in the chopped nuts and vanilla extract, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Beat the egg white: In a separate bowl, beat the egg white until it forms stiff peaks. This will help create a light and airy texture for the icing.

7. Fold in the beaten egg white: Gently fold the beaten egg white into the batter until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this may deflate the batter.

8. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into a greased shallow pan and spread it evenly. Bake in a preheated moderate oven (350°F or 175°C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before applying the marshmallow icing.

Now, let's move on to making the marshmallow icing:

Ingredients for Marshmallow Icing:
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare a double boiler: Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heat-resistant mixing bowl on top of the saucepan to create a double boiler.

2. Combine ingredients: In the mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, sugar, light corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Whisk gently to incorporate the ingredients.

3. Begin the heating process: Place the double boiler setup over the simmering water, ensuring that the bottom of the mixing bowl does not touch the water. Whisk the mixture continuously to prevent the egg whites from cooking.

4. Heat to safe temperature: Continue whisking and heating the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture reaches a safe temperature of 160°F (71°C). This will ensure that the egg whites are cooked and safe to consume.

5. Beat the mixture: Remove the mixing bowl from the double boiler and transfer it to a stand mixer or use a handheld mixer. Beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form and the icing becomes glossy.

6. Add vanilla extract: Add the vanilla extract to the icing and beat for an additional minute to incorporate the flavor.

7. Apply icing to the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, generously spread the marshmallow icing on top of the cake using a spatula or piping bag. If desired, you can also frost the sides of the cake.

8. Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake, savoring each bite of the velvety chocolate cake and fluffy marshmallow icing combination.

Fun fact: Marshmallow icing can be easily customized by adding different flavors or colors. You can incorporate flavors like almond or peppermint extract or tint the icing with food coloring to match the theme or occasion.

Now that you have mastered the art of making marshmallow icing, let's explore some other delightful recipes that use similar icing techniques:

1. Seven-Minute Frosting: This classic frosting is made by whisking together sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar over boiling water. The mixture is then beaten until it forms stiff peaks, resulting in a light and fluffy icing that pairs perfectly with coconut or lemon-flavored desserts.

2. Swiss Meringue Buttercream: Swiss meringue buttercream is a smooth and silky icing made by whipping egg whites and sugar over a double boiler, then gradually adding butter. The result is a luscious and creamy frosting that can be flavored with various extracts or combined with chocolate for a decadent treat.

3. Italian Meringue Buttercream: Similar to Swiss meringue buttercream, Italian meringue buttercream is made by whipping egg whites and a hot sugar syrup together, creating a stable meringue. Butter is then added to the meringue, resulting in a buttercream that is light, airy, and perfect for frosting cakes.

4. Fluffy Whipped Cream Frosting: If you prefer a lighter and less sweet option, whipped cream frosting might be the perfect choice. This frosting is made by whipping heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. It can be used to top pies, cupcakes, or as a filling between cake layers.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious icing options available. The world of baking offers endless opportunities to explore and experiment with different flavors, textures, and techniques, allowing you to create unique and mouthwatering desserts for any occasion.

So, go ahead and add the marshmallow icing recipe to your baking repertoire. Whether you're making a birthday cake, cupcakes, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this homemade marshmallow icing will bring a delightful and whimsical touch to your desserts. Enjoy the process of creating, baking, and, most importantly, savoring every delectable bite.

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