How to Make Italian Meringue Buttercream - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian meringue buttercream is a lusciously smooth and creamy frosting that makes the perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies. This delightful confection is made by slowly incorporating fluffy meringue into a rich butter and sugar mixture, resulting in a delicately sweet and airy frosting that is sure to impress.

Unlike traditional American buttercream, which is made by simply whipping butter and powdered sugar together, Italian meringue buttercream involves a bit m...

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Ingredients

  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 pinch cream of tartar
  • 1 ¼ cups white sugar
  • ⅔ cup water
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 23 mins
  • Cook Time: 7 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 4 1/2 cups

  • Pour egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment; beat on low speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, increase speed to medium-high, and beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Cook until syrup reads 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a candy thermometer or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when placed on a flat surface.
  • Increase mixer speed to high and pour syrup in a slow and steady stream down the side of the bowl, beating until meringue is no longer steaming, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in butter one cube at a time until buttercream reaches a soft and spreadable consistency, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract.
  • Nutrition

    360 cal.

    • Total Fat: 31g
    • Saturated Fat: 19g
    • Cholesterol: 81mg
    • Sodium: 28mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 21g
    • Total Sugars: 21g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Calcium: 11mg
    • Potassium: 47mg

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