Royal icing, known for its crisp, smooth finish and ability to hold intricate details, is a staple in cake decorating. Adding cream of tartar is key to achieving the perfect consistency and preventing crystallization. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating flawless royal icing, answering common questions along the way.
What is Cream of Tartar and Why is it Used in Royal Icing?
Cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate, is a byproduct of winemaking. In royal icing, it acts as a stabilizer. It prevents the sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a smoother, more flowable icing that doesn't become grainy. It also helps the icing to dry faster and harder, which is crucial for delicate designs. Without it, your icing may be prone to sugar crystals forming, ruining the smooth, glossy finish.
Basic Royal Icing Recipe with Cream of Tartar
This recipe provides a medium consistency, ideal for outlining and flooding cookies. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker icing or more meringue powder for a thinner one.
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature is crucial)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for a smoother texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or other flavoring of your choice)
Instructions:
- Beat egg whites: In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add cream of tartar: Gradually add cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This step is essential for stability.
- Gradually add sugar: Slowly add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Be patient; this is key to preventing lumps.
- Add flavoring: Stir in vanilla extract or your preferred flavoring.
- Adjust consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of meringue powder (or more, as needed) and continue to mix. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
How to Achieve Different Royal Icing Consistencies?
The consistency of your royal icing is crucial for different decorating techniques. Here's a breakdown:
1. 10-Second Icing (Hard Peak): Stiff and holds its shape, ideal for outlining and creating intricate details. This is the peak consistency reached in the basic recipe above.
2. 20-Second Icing (Soft Peak): A medium consistency perfect for flooding cookies and covering cakes.
3. 40-Second Icing (Wet Peak): Thinner and more fluid, used for creating textured effects or watercolor washes on cookies.
How Long Does Royal Icing Last?
Properly stored royal icing can last for several weeks. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If refrigerating, bring it to room temperature before using. To extend its shelf life, you can add a preservative like lemon juice (a small amount) – but this should be tested thoroughly beforehand, as it can affect color or flavor.
What Happens if I Don't Use Cream of Tartar?
Without cream of tartar, your royal icing will be more prone to sugar crystallization. This will result in a grainy texture and a less smooth finish. It will also likely be less stable and difficult to work with. The icing might dry slower and might not hold its shape as well.
Can I Use Liquid Egg Whites Instead of Fresh Egg Whites?
While some recipes suggest using liquid egg whites, fresh egg whites generally provide the best results for royal icing. Liquid egg whites may require slightly more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency and may not yield the same level of stiffness or gloss.
How Do I Store Leftover Royal Icing?
Store leftover royal icing in an airtight container. If you’re storing it for more than a few days, you should consider adding a tablespoon of water or meringue powder to reduce the thickness. Cover the surface of the icing with parchment paper so it doesn't form a skin before storing. This will help to retain its consistency and prevent it from drying out.
This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge and skills to create perfect royal icing every time. Remember, practice makes perfect! Experiment with different consistencies and techniques to master the art of royal icing decorating.
