Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Swiss buttercream frosting is very smooth, silky and of course, delicious! This thin to medium consistency frosting is perfect for filling layer cakes. Cooked egg whites make this buttercream light and fluffy.

Prep45 min
Total Time2 hr
Amount3 1/4 cups

Skill LevelBeginner

Ingredients & Tools
Instructions

Ingredients

4 egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Tools
Double boiler
Whisk
Thermometer
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

Instructions

Click to mark complete

In the top pan of a double boiler, combine egg whites, sugar and salt. Whisk constantly over simmering water until mixture reaches 160°F on an instant read thermometer, about 20 minutes.
Transfer mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip until the bowl is cool to the touch and the mixture holds medium peaks.
Switch to a paddle attachment on the mixer. Beat at medium speed while adding the butter one piece at a time, scraping bottom of the bowl as necessary. Add vanilla and beat until well combined.

Notes

- Swiss meringue buttercream is perfect for frosting cakes or cupcakes but isn’t stiff enough for piping decorations.
- How to Thicken Swiss Meringue: Cooling down your buttercream can help with consistency! Put the bowl in the fridge for about 20 minutes, just until the frosting begins to harden around the edges. Watch it carefully or the frosting will become too hard and lumpy if left for too long.
- To Store: Unused frosting can be refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Bring the frosting back to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- To Color: Add Icing Colors food coloring to customize your treats without adding additional liquid.
- To Flavor: Substitute the vanilla extract with your favorite flavoring to take this recipe up a notch.

How To

How to Make Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting
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From classic American buttercream to the less traditional boiled frosting, there are all types of buttercream frostings that will take your cakes and cupcakes up a notch. While most contain the same or similar ingredients (eggs, sugar, butter), these buttercream frostings are each prepared differently, yielding different textures, tastes and consistencies.