Description
Best Italian Meringue Buttercream is the kind of frosting that makes any dessert feel special. This easy recipe creates a smooth, silky, bakery-style buttercream that is perfect for cake decorating, birthday cakes, cupcakes, and elegant dessert ideas. If you need a make-ahead frosting for a quick baking project, a beautiful party cake, or easy recipe inspiration for your favorite food ideas, this classic buttercream delivers rich flavor, stable texture, and a light finish that is not overly sweet.
Ingredients
5 large egg whites
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar, optional
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Wipe the mixer bowl and whisk attachment with a little lemon juice or vinegar, then dry thoroughly to remove any grease.
2. Add 5 large egg whites, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar if using to the mixer bowl. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar and 1/3 cup water.
4. Heat the sugar mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then continue cooking until the syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
5. When the syrup reaches about 230°F, begin beating the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
6. With the mixer running on medium-low, slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin steady stream down the side of the bowl, avoiding the whisk.
7. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the meringue is thick, glossy, and cooled to room temperature, about 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Add 1 1/2 cups softened unsalted butter, a few tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition.
9. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and continue beating until the buttercream becomes smooth, fluffy, and silky.
10. Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, or store and rewhip before using.
Notes
If the buttercream looks curdled after adding the butter, keep mixing. It usually smooths out on its own.
If the buttercream looks too loose or soupy, chill the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes, then whip again.
Make sure the meringue is cooled before adding butter so the frosting turns silky instead of runny.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg