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Hazelnut Buttercream
© Pernille Pedersen

Hazelnut Buttercream

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: Makes 3 cups, enough for one 9-inch, 2-layer cake
  • FAST
  • MAKE-AHEAD

This classic buttercream frosting is rich and luxurious. Tom Douglas sometimes folds in whipped cream for a lighter touch.

  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.
Notes

Hazelnut-praline paste is available online at kingarthurflour.com.

Variations: Rich Chocolate Buttercream Recipe
White Chocolate Buttercream Recipe