This is a classic royal icing recipe which is perfect for your Christmas cake. Try to get it done a week or so in advance, after the marzipan, so it has time to harden.
It is very easy to make and the kids will have so much fun spreading the icing on the cake, putting on any decorations and licking the spoon and bowl after!
It can also work for any other cake all year round, but it works especially well with rich fruit cakes.
Ellen - aged 13
The third and final step to the perfect Christmas cake. Easy to make and so pretty, this icing makes your Christmas cake a showstopper!
Whisk the egg whites together until slightly frothy
Gradually sift in the icing sugar
Add the lemon juice
Mix together until it has a thick, shiny consistency
Spread evenly on the cake with a knife
If you want a rough, rustic look, use a fork to create spikes or lift the icing with the knife to create small peaks
If you want a smooth, shiny finish, place a knife in boiling water, shake of the excess and smooth the icing down
Put any decorations on and leave to harden
When you are spreading the icing on the cake, make sure you put a damp dish cloth over the bowl with the remaining icing in it because it hardens very quickly.
If you want to, add a few drops of food colouring.
Ingredients
Directions
Whisk the egg whites together until slightly frothy
Gradually sift in the icing sugar
Add the lemon juice
Mix together until it has a thick, shiny consistency
Spread evenly on the cake with a knife
If you want a rough, rustic look, use a fork to create spikes or lift the icing with the knife to create small peaks
If you want a smooth, shiny finish, place a knife in boiling water, shake of the excess and smooth the icing down
Put any decorations on and leave to harden
