Description
This Best Italian Meringue Buttercream is a silky, smooth frosting that feels bakery-worthy but is absolutely doable at home. It is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and elegant dessert ideas when you want an easy recipe that looks impressive, works for birthday cakes, special occasion dessert tables, and homemade food ideas, and gives you a light, less sugary finish with rich buttery flavor.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
5 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Add the granulated sugar and water to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then continue cooking until the syrup reaches 240°F.
2. While the syrup cooks, beat the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl until foamy, then add the salt and continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the egg whites in a thin steady stream along the side of the bowl.
4. Increase the mixer speed and beat until the meringue is glossy, thick, and cooled to room temperature.
5. Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Mix in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the buttercream is fluffy, silky, and ready to spread or pipe.
Notes
Make sure the meringue has cooled before adding the butter, or the buttercream can turn soupy instead of smooth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: best italian meringue buttercream, italian meringue buttercream, buttercream frosting, easy recipe, dessert ideas, cake frosting, cupcake frosting, homemade food ideas