Sunday, August 8, 2010

Italian Meringue Buttercream

This is my favorite icing in the whole world (which is saying a lot because I'm not usually a big fan of icing). This is a traditional, basic Italian Meringue Buttercream (not my own recipe). Don't let the amount of butter scare you. This icing is so beautiful and smooth. It spreads like a dream and isn't overly sweet with a rich buttery flavor.  This is the real deal and while it takes a little bit to make, it's worth it. I promise.

If you are making my strawberry cake recipe, I highly recommend saving aside the strawberry juice (left over after you made strawberry puree) and substitute the juice for the water in the syrup. If you want a lemon meringue buttercream, beat in some lemon curd (this is a great use for the leftover yolks). You can also beat in a variety of other flavors (almond extract, peppermint extract, etc.) If you are making another flavor (like using lemon curd or strawberry), use half the amount of vanilla called for.

Italian Meringue Buttercream 

Enough to ice a double-layer 9 or 10-inch cake. 


1 C sugar 
1/3 C water
4 large egg whites 
1 tsp cream of tartar 
5 sticks (2.5 cups) unsalted butter (at room temp) pinch salt 
1 Tbsp vanilla 

1. In a saucepan combine sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. 
2. Simmer syrup for 3-5 minutes. 
3. While the syrup is on the stove, in a standing electric mixer beat egg whites using the the paddle attachment with a pinch of salt until foamy. 
4. Beat in cream of tarter and continue beating the whites until they just hold stiff peaks. 
5. While the mixer is running, slowly pour in the sugar syrup (hot off the stove) in a stream, avoiding the beater blade. 
6. Beat mixture at medium speed until completely cool, around 15-20 minutes. 
7. Beat in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until it is thick and smooth. If it looks lumpy or curdled/oily, just keep beating. Crank up that mixer and beat until it is nice and smooth. It might take awhile - just keep beating! The key here is that the butter and the egg white/sugar mixture needs to be as similar a temperature as possible. If they didn't start that way, they will end up there if you just keep beating.
8. Once it reaches the proper consistency, beat in the vanilla. 

13 comments:

  1. does this crust? then i can use it under fondant...

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    Replies
    1. No, it's not a "crusting" buttercream. But, yes, you can use it under fondant. It sets up rock hard in the fridge and makes for fantastic fondant application.

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    2. See this post for some of my fondant tips. http://sugarcoatedchronicle.blogspot.com/2010/09/perfect-fondant-tips-for-covering-cake.html

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    3. When u deliver it does it melt?

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  2. Do you use granulated sugar? Or powdered sugar?
    Also, will this set up as hard as a ganache?

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    Replies
    1. Granulated sugar (any time you see a recipe just call for "sugar" you can always assume it's plain white, granulated sugar).

      If you put it in the fridge, it will be almost as hard as ganache.

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    2. Thanks so much! I'm excited to try this!

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  3. Is the meringue buttercream able to sit out on the counter after covering withe fondant? or does it need to kept refridgerator ? I live in Florida, is this ok for hot weather? Thank you in advance!!

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    Replies
    1. Since it's primarily butter holding it all together, if it's hot, it will melt. If at all possible, the fridge is best.

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  4. Just wondering how you thaw out the buttercream after it has been in the fridge? I tried this once and after I took it out of the fridge the next day after making it the butter looked like it separated and then when i tried to mix it up it turned into a soupy mess. Any advice for this would be awesome :)

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    Replies
    1. You have to beat it on high speed. It may look curdled and weird, but JUST KEEP BEATING. :) It will eventually get there again.

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  5. I have tried making this and it tastes greasy. like I am eating Crisco, what am I doing wrong!?

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    Replies
    1. My husband says he feels like he's eating butter. I love it. Everyone has their own tastes! :)

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