
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Will keep longer and cut more easily than egg-based frostings, causes no breakage or crumbling, and is very economical
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Take one cup of granulated sugar; dampen it with one-fourth of a cup of milk, or five tablespoonfuls
place it on the fire in a suitable dish and stir it until it boils
then let it boil for five minutes without stirring
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remove it from the fire and set the dish in another of cold water; add flavoring
While it is cooling, stir or beat it constantly and it will become a thick, creamy frosting
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
This is a simple cooked frosting that relies on sugar crystallization control. Stirring the sugar-milk mixture initially dissolves the crystals, while the undisturbed 5-minute boil allows the syrup to reach the soft-ball stage (235-240°F). Cooling in an ice bath while beating creates tiny sugar crystals that give the frosting its smooth, creamy texture rather than forming large, gritty crystals. The absence of eggs means no proteins to denature, resulting in a frosting that sets firmly and cuts cleanly without the structural weakness that egg whites can introduce.
This frosting is best made immediately before use as it sets quickly. However, if needed, it can be made 2-3 hours ahead and kept at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent crusting. Rewarm gently over low heat if it becomes too stiff to spread.
Once applied to a cake or dessert, store at room temperature under a cake dome or loosely covered with plastic wrap for up to 1 week. The frosting will develop a firm, candy-like crust that helps preserve the cake beneath. Do not refrigerate, as condensation will make the frosting weep and become sticky.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
This frosting is best made immediately before use as it sets quickly. However, if needed, it can be made 2-3 hours ahead and kept at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent crusting. Rewarm gently over low heat if it becomes too stiff to spread.
Once applied to a cake or dessert, store at room temperature under a cake dome or loosely covered with plastic wrap for up to 1 week. The frosting will develop a firm, candy-like crust that helps preserve the cake beneath. Do not refrigerate, as condensation will make the frosting weep and become sticky.