Hazelnut Buttercream

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 cup sugar
2. 3 large egg whites
3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5. 2 tablespoons hazelnut-praline paste (see Note)
6. 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (9 ounces), cut into tablespoons, at room temperature

1. In a blender or food processor, pulse the sugar until powdery. Transfer the sugar to a medium heatproof bowl and whisk in the egg whites and salt. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and whisk gently until the sugar is completely dissolved, 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the warm egg-white mixture to the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk. Add the vanilla and beat at medium-high speed until stiff and glossy, about 8 minutes. Beat in the butter a few pieces at a time, making sure it is fully incorporated before adding more. The buttercream should be light and fluffy; if it appears runny at any time, transfer the bowl to the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes, then return it to the mixer and continue.
3. Beat in the hazelnut-praline paste until fully incorporated, scraping down the side and bottom of the bowl. Remove the bowl from the mixer and beat with a wooden spoon to remove any air bubbles.