Description
Italian Meringue Buttercream is a silky, smooth, and stable frosting made by combining a hot sugar syrup with whipped egg whites and butter. Perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes, this buttercream is light yet rich, offering a glossy finish and a fluffy texture that holds up beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Meringue Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Buttercream Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature, cut into cubes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and bring the syrup to a boil. Cook until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Whip the Egg Whites: Meanwhile, in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, begin whipping the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Combine Syrup and Egg Whites: Once the syrup reaches 240°F, carefully and slowly pour it into the egg whites while the mixer is on low speed. Increase speed to high and beat until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and the bowl is cool to the touch, about 10 minutes.
- Add Butter: Reduce mixer speed to medium and add the butter, a few cubes at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture curdles or looks soupy, keep mixing—it will come together.
- Finish with Vanilla: Once all the butter is incorporated, beat in the vanilla extract. Continue whipping until the buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and silky.
Notes
- If the mixture curdles during butter addition, keep mixing as it will become smooth.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best consistency.
- This buttercream is suitable for frosting and decorating cakes and cupcakes.
- Do not rush pouring the hot sugar syrup to avoid cooking the egg whites unevenly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
