Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

I found this recipe recently and it is absolutely fabulous. This is not for anyone on a diet though:)

Swiss Meringue Frosting is made by making the Swiss Meringue and then adding in butter and flavorings. It uses egg whites and the finished product is smooth, creamy, and delicious. It is a little time consuming but it is quite worth it.

Richest Ever Swiss Meringue Frosting

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Tips

This requires a double boiler. If you don’t have one you can create one by placing a mixing bowl over a pan of simmering water (water should not touch bottom of the bowl).

Swiss Meringue Frosting can be frozen; so, If you want to make a larger batch and put some aside for another time, it should be fine up to 8 weeks int he freezer.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

In a double boiler, put the sugar and egg whites in the top pot and cook at medium heat, stirring continuously until the temperature reaches 140F / 60C. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you are looking for the point where the sugar has completely dissolved. Test this by dipping a spoon into the mixture and running your finger over it to check for granules remaining.

Step 2

When the meringue mix has reached the correct temperature, take off the heat and whisk (using the balloon whisk attachment) until the meringue is cooled and forms thick, silky peaks. This may take up to 10 minutes.

Step 3

Now add the butter, a tablespoon or so at a time and mix well. There is a risk of the mixture appearing lumpy and curdled: if this should happen, don’t despair. Just keep mixing and it should come together OK.

Step 4

Once you have a glossy, smooth and creamy mix, add the vanilla and pinch of salt. Mix this well. If the frosting is runny, put it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes then take out and mix again until smooth.

Step 5

Pipe onto cake using the nozzle of your choice.

Step 7

Frost with your favorite frosting.