Royal Icing Without Meringue Powder Or Corn Syrup
Whether you're a professional baker or simply enjoy baking at home, you're likely familiar with royal icing. This versatile icing is used for everything from decorating cookies and cakes to creating intricate designs on cupcakes and other baked goods. But what if you don't have meringue powder or corn syrup on hand? Don't worry, you can still make delicious and easy royal icing without these ingredients.
What is Royal Icing?
Royal icing is a type of frosting made with powdered sugar, liquid, and sometimes egg whites or meringue powder. It's a classic icing for decorating cookies, gingerbread houses, and wedding cakes because it dries hard and is easy to pipe into intricate designs. Royal icing can be colored with food coloring and flavored with extracts, making it a versatile option for any baking project.
Making Royal Icing Without Meringue Powder
If you don't have meringue powder, you can still make royal icing by using egg whites instead. Make sure to use pasteurized egg whites to avoid any risk of salmonella. Here's how:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 pasteurized egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or other flavorings (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and pasteurized egg whites.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks.
- Add vanilla extract or other flavorings, if using, and mix until well combined.
- If desired, add food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Making Royal Icing Without Corn Syrup
If you don't have corn syrup, you can substitute another liquid sweetener such as honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that using a different sweetener may affect the texture and taste of the icing, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 pasteurized egg whites or 1/4 cup meringue powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or other flavorings (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, pasteurized egg whites, and honey or maple syrup, if using.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks.
- Add vanilla extract or other flavorings, if using, and mix until well combined.
- If desired, add food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips for Working with Royal Icing
Here are some tips to help you work with royal icing:
- Use a piping bag to decorate cookies and other baked goods with intricate designs.
- For a smoother finish, thin the royal icing with water or lemon juice until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or storing baked goods.
- Store leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Conclusion
Even if you don't have meringue powder or corn syrup, you can still make delicious and easy royal icing. By using egg whites instead of meringue powder and honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup, you can create a versatile frosting that's perfect for decorating cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. So get creative and start decorating!