Prepare to elevate your baking game with the most luxurious, cloud-like buttercream that will transform your desserts from ordinary to extraordinary! This French-inspired Meringue Buttercream is not just a frosting – it's a culinary masterpiece that will have your friends and family begging for your secret recipe. With its impossibly smooth texture and perfect balance of sweetness, this buttercream is about to become your new go-to topping for cakes, cupcakes, and everything in between!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup meringue powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of meringue powder, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of meringue powder and 1/4 cup of water. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will create a meringue base for your buttercream.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the meringue mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. You want to achieve a soft peak consistency.
- Once the meringue is ready, add the softened unsalted butter to the bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed until the butter is fully incorporated, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the 3 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl and ensure a smooth consistency.
- After all the powdered sugar has been added, continue to beat the mixture on medium-high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Finally, add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix on low speed until it is fully incorporated. Taste the buttercream and adjust the flavoring if desired.
- Your Meringue Buttercream is now ready to use! It can be piped onto cakes, cupcakes, or used as a filling for pastries. If not using immediately, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature – soft but not melting. This guarantees a smooth, lump-free buttercream.
- Whip with Patience: When beating the meringue powder and water, take your time to achieve those perfect soft peaks. Rushing this step can compromise the entire texture.
- Gradual Sugar Addition: Add powdered sugar slowly to prevent a messy sugar explosion and ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
- Troubleshooting Tip: If your buttercream looks curdled or separated, keep mixing! Sometimes it just needs a few more minutes of beating to come together perfectly.
- Storage Hack: This buttercream can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding different extracts or a touch of food coloring to customize your buttercream for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 50mg
