RECIPE

Vanilla Buttercream

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: Makes about 3 1/2 cups

This buttercream is made with a cooked meringue, which calls for heating the sugar with egg whites before beating.

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: Makes about 3 1/2 cups
  • FAST
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1/4 cup egg whites (about 6 large whites)
    2. 1 1/2 cups sugar
    3. 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    4. 3 sticks (1/4 pound) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons and softened

Directions

  1. In a double boiler, beat the egg whites with the sugar over simmering water until the sugar has dissolved and the whites reach 160° on a candy thermometer, about 7 minutes.
  2. Pour the egg whites into the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk and beat at medium speed until stiff, glossy and cool. Beat in the vanilla. At medium-low speed, beat in the butter, a few tablespoons at a time; continue beating until the buttercream is fluffy yet firm.

Make Ahead

The buttercream can be refrigerated for 2 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Serve With

Chocolate-Hazelnut Wedding Cake