Ahhh, Swiss Meringue Buttercream, as delicious as it is difficult to make. Nevertheless, with a bit of patience and the right techiniques, even a Swiss cheese rookie should be able to turn out a delectable buttercream that will have your guests coming back for more.
Contents
Getting Started
Before you can make Swiss Meringue Buttercream, you must make Swiss meringue. Start by combining egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl and placing it over a pot of simmering water. Not too hot though, you don’t want your egg whites to cook! Keep whisking until the mixture is hot to the touch and all the sugar has dissolved. You’ll know the sugar has dissolved if you can rub the mixture between your fingers and it’s completely smooth.
Whiskin’ It Up!
Now it’s time to get whisking! Use an electric mixer if you must, but any die-hard baker prefers to do it the good ol’ fashioned way – with elbow grease. Whisk the mixture until it’s nearly tripled in size and looks glossy. Make sure it’s cooled before you start adding butter – this will prevent the meringue from deflating.
Butter Up
Once your meringue is cooled, you can start adding the butter. The key to successful Swiss Meringue Buttercream is soft butter – so be sure you let the butter sit out overnight before starting. Cut the butter into small cubes and add them one at a time to the meringue. Be sure to not add the next cube until the previous one has been incorporated. It’s a slow, tedious process but well worth the effort for beautiful and successful meringue buttercream.
Grab a Spoon
Once all the butter is in, you can start adding your flavoring or extract. A good rule of thumb is to taste as you go for the perfect combination. Vanilla extract is traditionally used, but feel free to get creative and mix it up a bit! Some delicious alternatives include:
- Lemon or lime – add a zing to your meringue buttercream for a tart and tangy spin
- Coffee – add an extra kick to your meringue buttercream with a pinch of coffee extract
- Chocolate – create a truly indulgent chocolate meringue buttercream that will have everyone longing for more
And don’t forget the food dye! Regardless of the flavor, everyone loves a colorful meringue buttercream.
Let’s Get Frostin’
Finally, you can, at long last, start frosting. You probably want to crank the mixer back up – a hand whisk won’t create that fluffy, oh so desired airiness that makes meringue buttercream delicious. Keep whipping until the buttercream appears lighter and airier, looking more like frosting. You got this, buttercream rookie!
You can make Swiss meringue buttercream in your own kitchen. It may be a bit of a time consuming ordeal, but you’ll be sure to reap the rewards of your efforts. With a bit of patience and the right techniques, you’ll soon have an enviable array of meringue buttercream goodies that all your friends and family will love. So don’t be afraid to take on the challenge – when it comes to Swiss Meringue Buttercream, you’re a real Swiss!