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Best Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe for Silky Smooth Cupcakes Made Easy

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A silky smooth, light, and stable Italian meringue buttercream perfect for cupcakes and special occasions, made with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (250 grams)
  • 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227 grams, softened to room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Separate 4 large egg whites into a clean, dry bowl and let them come to room temperature. Measure sugar and water for the syrup and have your thermometer ready.
  2. Combine 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Stir gently until sugar dissolves, then clip on your candy thermometer. Boil without stirring until the syrup reaches 240°F (115°C) – the soft ball stage.
  3. While syrup heats, whisk egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Once the syrup hits 240°F, slowly and carefully pour it in a thin stream into the egg whites while mixer runs on medium-high speed.
  4. Continue whipping the mixture until it cools to room temperature and forms stiff, glossy peaks.
  5. With the mixer on medium, add softened butter about 1 tablespoon at a time, making sure each addition is incorporated before adding more. Keep beating until smooth and silky.
  6. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust if desired.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer for accurate syrup temperature. Butter should be room temperature, not cold or melted. If buttercream looks curdled, chill briefly and continue beating. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine and egg whites with aquafaba. Gel food coloring works best for coloring without thinning the buttercream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meringue buttercream, buttercream frosting, silky buttercream, cupcake frosting, smooth frosting, easy buttercream recipe

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/best-italian-meringue-buttercream-recipe-for-silky-smooth-cupcakes-made-easy/