Gluten Free

Before adding the maple syrup to the beaten eggs, it should be heated to 240 degrees. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test by adding a drop of syrup to cold water; it should immediately form a soft ball. Be sure to buy only pure maple syrup, not a brand labeled “pancake syrup” or “maple-flavored syrup,” which is actually corn syrup flavored with maple extract. Pure maple syrup is graded according to color and flavor; grade B has a robust flavor that works well in baking and other recipes.

Made with mascarpone cheese, this frosting is similar to cream-cheese frosting, but with a slightly richer flavor.

Similar to dark chocolate frosting (page 302), this topping gets its intense color from the addition of semisweet chocolate. Sour cream and cream cheese impart tangy flavor and ultra-creamy consistency. This frosting would pair well with any chocolate cupcake, particularly devil’s food (page 34; also made with sour cream), as well as those made with banana, such as the roasted banana cupcakes on page 141.

This rich, thick chocolate glaze may remind you of hot fudge sauce in its flavor and consistency. Avoid overmixing when stirring the chocolate into the hot-cream mixture, as this can cause the ganache to become dull and grainy. To make a thinner glaze for coating the handwritten valentine cupcakes on page 212, see variation below.

Ganache—a smooth mixture of chocolate and cream—is one of the richest, most luscious of all chocolate frostings. The frosting is made in the same manner as the chocolate ganache glaze (opposite), and then allowed to thicken until the frosting is spreadable. Achieving the perfect consistency can be tricky; if the frosting becomes too firm to spread, reheat in a bowl over a pan of simmering water until it begins to melt around the edges, then remove from heat and stir until smooth.

This delicious icing has a tendency to separate. If it does, warm it in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water; whisk until smooth, adding a bit more milk, if necessary, to achieve the right consistency

Using meringue powder (or powdered egg whites), instead of raw egg whites, eliminates food-safety concerns. Look for the powder at baking-supply stores and many supermarkets. Royal icing hardens quickly, so if not using immediately, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator, up to one week; before using, stir with a flexible spatula until smooth.

Follow this recipe to make a glaze with any citrus flavor, such as orange, lemon, or lime.

Contrary to its name, pastry cream—a classic custard filling for cakes, tarts, pastries, and other baked goods—contains no cream, only milk. Be sure to bring the mixture to a full boil to activate the cornstarch and ensure proper thickening.

A high proportion of lemon juice gives curd its intense flavor. As an acid, the juice also prevents the yolks from curdling when heated (unlike when making pastry cream, which requires the extra step of tempering). You can substitute an equal amount of juice from other citrus, such as lime, grapefruit, or blood orange.