Best 11 Italian Buttercream Recipes

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Are you craving a luscious, velvety, and flavorful frosting that will elevate your cakes, cupcakes, and pastries to new heights? Look no further than Italian buttercream, a delectable confection that combines the richness of butter with the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of tang. With its smooth and creamy texture, Italian buttercream will leave you and your loved ones swooning. In this article, we'll guide you through the art of crafting this exquisite frosting, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfect result every time. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your desserts into masterpieces.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM



Italian Meringue Buttercream image

Everyone thinks that I got the cake from a professional bakery when I use this buttercream. It is fluffy and not too sweet, perfect for wedding cakes or layered with pound cake and fruit preserves. Tightly-wrapped, it can be frozen for a month or two. Makes enough to frost an 8-inch layer cake.

Provided by Emo G.

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings     Buttercream

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 6

5 egg whites
1 pinch cream of tartar
1 ¼ cups white sugar
⅔ cup water
2 cups unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Pour egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment; beat on low speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, increase speed to medium-high, and beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Cook until syrup reads 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) on a candy thermometer or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when placed on a flat surface.
  • Increase mixer speed to high and pour syrup in a slow and steady stream down the side of the bowl, beating until meringue is no longer steaming, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in butter one cube at a time until buttercream reaches a soft and spreadable consistency, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 359.8 calories, Carbohydrate 21.1 g, Cholesterol 81.3 mg, Fat 30.7 g, Protein 1.8 g, SaturatedFat 19.4 g, Sodium 27.7 mg, Sugar 21 g

ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM



Italian Meringue Buttercream image

Use this recipe to frost your favorite layer cake.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes     Fillings & Frostings     Buttercream Frosting Recipes

Yield Makes 4 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 1/4 cups sugar
5 large egg whites
Pinch of cream of tartar
1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring sugar and 2/3 cup water to a boil. Continue boiling until syrup reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
  • Meanwhile, place egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat on low speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, and beat on medium-high speed until stiff but not dry; do not overbeat.
  • With mixer running, add syrup to whites in a stream, beating on high speed until no longer steaming, about 3 minutes. Add butter bit by bit, beating until spreadable, 3 to 5 minutes; beat in vanilla. If icing curdles, keep beating until smooth.

ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM



Italian Meringue Buttercream image

I use this creamy Italian meringue buttercream on my lemon-raspberry cupcakes. It's not as sweet as American buttercream, so it really complements the sweetness of the cupcakes. —Katelyn Craft, Stamford, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 4 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar, divided
1/4 cup water
4 large egg whites, room temperature
2 cups unsalted butter, cubed, room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • In a small heavy saucepan, combine 3/4 cups sugar sugar and water. Bring to a boil; cook over medium-high heat until a thermometer reads 250° (hard-ball stage), 8 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, using a stand mixer, beat egg whites in a large bowl on high speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved and soft peaks form. , Slowly pour hot sugar syrup over egg whites while beating continuously. Continue beating on high until mixture cools to room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes., Gradually add butter, a few tablespoons at a time, beating on medium after each addition until smooth. Beat in vanilla.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 1mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SARAH'S ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM



Sarah's Italian Meringue Buttercream image

This is sort of a finicky frosting, but so good. Once you master this type of buttercream, you will never go back to the overly sweet powdered sugar type icing. It's light and fluffy and just the right sweetness. It's the type of frosting found in most high-end gourmet pastry shops. You will need a candy thermometer for this recipe. Makes enough to generously frost a two-layer 9-inch round cake.

Provided by Sarah Dipity

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings     Buttercream

Time 37m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup pasteurized liquid egg whites (such as Crystal Farms® All Whites®)
1 ¼ cups white sugar, divided
¼ cup cold water
2 cups unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon chunks
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Pour egg whites into the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment; beat at medium speed until frothy. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine remaining 1 cup sugar and water in a small saucepan. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and place over low heat. Cook until syrup reaches 244 degrees F (117 degrees C) or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a firm but pliable ball.
  • Increase mixer speed to high and pour syrup in a slow and steady stream down the side of the bowl, beating until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-high and continue beating until meringue is stiff and the sides of the bowl feel barely warm, 3 to 4 minutes more.
  • Beat in butter 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth. Switch to the paddle attachment, add vanilla extract, and beat on high until buttercream is light and fluffy, 4 to 7 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.1 calories, Carbohydrate 21 g, Cholesterol 81.3 mg, Fat 30.7 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 19.4 g, Sodium 37.7 mg, Sugar 21 g

MR. BROWN'S ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM



Mr. Brown's Italian Meringue Buttercream image

Make and share this Mr. Brown's Italian Meringue Buttercream recipe from Food.com.

Provided by candcmom

Categories     Dessert

Time 25m

Yield 1 cake, 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
5 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoons

Steps:

  • Boil 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium heat until it reaches 245. As it cooks begin meringue so it's ready when syrup is done.
  • Whip egg whites with a wire whisk in a stand up mixer on high until soft peaks form. About 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup sugar. Beat.
  • Slowly pour the hot syrup into the meringue steadily with the mixer still on high.
  • Beat the frosting for 7-10 minutes until the outside of the bowl is room temperature.
  • Beat in butter by the tablespoon. The butter will deflate the frosting a bit.
  • Add in desired flavorings.
  • Flavorings.
  • Chocolate: 1/2 cup melted and cooled chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • Coconut: 1 teaspoon coconut extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • Coffee: 1 teaspoon espresso powder or 3-5 tablespoons strong coffee.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 861.7, Fat 73.7, SaturatedFat 46.6, Cholesterol 195.2, Sodium 65.6, Carbohydrate 50.3, Sugar 50.2, Protein 4.4

MARTHA STEWART'S GRAND MARNIER ITALIAN BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Martha Stewart's Grand Marnier Italian Buttercream Frosting image

This is the icing she says to put on every wedding cake and is her most popular!!! Got it out of my Martha Stewart cookbook. have not used it myself but posted in regards to a request.

Provided by Jessica K

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 16-18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup water
6 egg whites
1 pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/4 lbs butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier

Steps:

  • Combine sugar and water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and let boil 3-5 minute until sugar dissolves, uncover and continue boiling until syrup reaches 238° on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage).
  • Meanwhile, place egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat on low speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt, and beat on medium-high speed until stiff but not dry; do not overbeat.
  • When syrup reaches 240 degrees pour 1/4 cup of syrup into egg white mixture. With mixer running, add syrup to whites in a stream, beating on high speed until no longer steaming, about 3 minutes. Add rest of syrup slowly and beat for 8-12 min., or till cool, so butter will not melt.
  • In seperate bowl cream butter. Add butter bit by bit, beating until spreadable, 3 to 5 minutes; beat in vanilla and Grand Marnier. If icing curdles, keep beating until smooth, may still be too warm. Use Immediately!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358.4, Fat 28.8, SaturatedFat 18.2, Cholesterol 76.3, Sodium 284.1, Carbohydrate 25.2, Sugar 25.1, Protein 1.6

ITALIAN BUTTERCREAM



Italian Buttercream image

Fluffy, professional meringue type buttercream that's not too sweet and withstands high temperatures. Perfect for stack cakes such as wedding cakes. Easily adaptable to various flavoring extracts and colors.

Provided by YummyBaker

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 35m

Yield 32

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ¼ cups white sugar
⅔ cup corn syrup
⅔ cup water
5 egg whites
1 ⅓ cups unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2 ⅔ cups shortening
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring just enough to dissolve the sugar. Heat to between 223 and 234 degrees F (106 to 112 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dripped from a spoon forms a soft thread. It should take 1 or 2 minutes.
  • When the sugar mixture has reached the thread stage, remove it from the heat and set aside. Whip the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer. When the whites can hold a stiff peak, pour in the sugar syrup in a thin stream while continuing to whip at medium speed. Be careful not to pour too quickly, or it will all end up at the bottom of the bowl. When the syrup is incorporated, continue to mix for 10 more minutes to allow it to cool. The egg whites will be fluffy and glossy.
  • Add pieces of cold butter one at a time to the egg whites and continue to whip at medium or low speed. Then do the same with the shortening. The buttercream will break down and look curdled, but keep mixing and it will come back together in about 10 minutes. When it comes back around, mix in the vanilla. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • To use after it has been refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature, then beat with a mixer before using. If cold, heat over a double boiler until you have liquid visible just around the edges. Beat with a mixer until smooth and fluffy before using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271.7 calories, Carbohydrate 13.1 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg, Fat 24.8 g, Protein 0.6 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 14.1 mg, Sugar 9.7 g

BONNIE BUTTER CAKE WITH ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Bonnie Butter Cake with Italian Meringue Buttercream Frosting image

I had been looking for a good butter cake recipes for years when I found this recipe. I found this recipe in an old recipe box in a kitchen used for therapies at the hospital I work for. This cake is frosted with an Italian Meringue Butter Cream that I found at www.cakejournal.com . This is Jim's favorite frosting!

Provided by Mary Louise

Categories     Cakes

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2/3 c butter, room temperature
1 3/4 c sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 3/4 c flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 1/4 c milk
italian meringue buttercream frosting ***(this will frost a 13x9 inch cake or two layer 8 inch cake. double for larger cake.)
1/4 c cold water
1 c plus, 2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 c egg whites
3 stick butter, room temperature
1 tsp white vanilla extract

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • 2. Grease & flour a pan; 13x9x2 or two 9 inch round or three 8 inch round layer pans.
  • 3. In large mixer bowl beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Beat 5 minutes on high speed scraping bowl occasionally.
  • 4. Combine flour, baking powder and salt.
  • 5. On low speed mix in flour alternatively with milk. Do not over beat.
  • 6. Bake oblong pan 45 minutes, layer pans 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. ***Note*** I have chosen to make three 8 inch layers.
  • 7. Make Italian Merguine Buttercream Frosting. You will need to use your stand mixer. ***Note*** I have cut the original recipe in half for my cake. Half the recipe will frost the cake easily. If your decorating a cake then double this recipe.
  • 8. In the large bowl of your stand mixer with the wire wisk attachment add the egg whites. Beat for two minutes.
  • 9. In a sauce pan bring water and sugar to a boil. Boil for seven minutes. This is your syrup.
  • 10. Slowly add the syrup to the egg whites with the mixer going on high. Continue to beat for 10 minutes.
  • 11. Remove your wire whisk attachment and add your paddle attachment. With mixer on high speed adding the butter a few chunks at a time until all butter is added. Stop the mixer and scrap bowl twice.
  • 12. Add vanilla. Beat again.
  • 13. Use 1/2 cup of frosting and add 2 tablespoons of raspberry seedless jam. I also added a tablespoon of Chambord! Using 1/2 cup of the frosting add 2 ounces of melted sweet chocolate. Make sure the chocolate is cooled down before adding to the frosting. Beat.
  • 14. Cut one cake in half to make two layers. Spread the raspberry frosting on one cake and place the other half back on top. Do the same with the chocolate.
  • 15. Now we have two cakes each with a filling. Place a cake on your favorite cake plate.
  • 16. Use 1/2 cup of the frosting spread this on the cake. Place the other cake on top of this cake.
  • 17. Gently frost the rest of your cake with the remainder of the frosting.
  • 18. NOTE: Double the frosting recipe if you making a layer cake.

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Authentic Italian Meringue Buttercream Frosting image

Don't let this Italian buttercream recipe intimidate you, it's actually very easy to prepare. It does take time, but it's worth it. This buttercream icing is the silkiest smooth frosting with just a hint of sweetness. Light and buttery, it just melts in your mouth.

Provided by Annamaria Settanni McDonald

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/4 c sugar
1/2 c cold water
5 egg whites, room temperature
6 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
any additional flavored extract if you'd like

Steps:

  • 1. Set a timer for 7 minutes and pour the egg whites into the kitchen mixer with the whisk attachment. Do not start the timer yet.
  • 2. Put the sugar and water into a pan. Bring it to a boil on medium-high and then start the timer.
  • 3. When the sugar syrup has been boiling for 5 minutes, start the kitchen mixer on full speed and whisk the egg whites for the remaining 2 minutes. When the timer is up the sugar syrup is done about (240 degrees).
  • 4. With the mixer still going on high speed slowly pour the hot sugar syrup down the side of the mixing bowl.
  • 5. When all sugar syrup has been added it should look really set up, thick and full. Switch to paddle attachment to incorporate air. Set the timer for 10 minutes and beat on high speed. After 10 minutes you should have a lovely thick meringue.
  • 6. Add the butter. Start the mixer on high speed and with a butter knife, cut pieces of the butter and add it to the meringue. When all the butter is added it won't take long for the mixture to turn into a nice smooth buttercream. This will take a few minutes. Be patient as it will turn into a smooth creamy finish.
  • 7. After the butter is combined, slow down the mixer and add the vanilla extract. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and start the mixer again to make sure it's well mixed.

DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH COCONUT-PEANUT BUTTER ITALIAN BUTTERCREAM



Dark Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Peanut Butter Italian Buttercream image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 4h15m

Yield 15 to 20 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons kosher sea salt
5 1/2 cups sugar
6 sticks (3 cups) unsalted butter, cubed
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 large eggs
600 grams sugar
300 milliliters water
300 milliliters egg whites
150 grams granulated sugar
8 sticks (4 cups) unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 to 2 teaspoons coconut extract

Steps:

  • For the cake: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix to combine. Mix in the sugar.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add the butter, a couple cubes at a time, and mix until completely combined. Slowly add the buttermilk and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
  • Add the eggs and mix until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides bowl as needed.
  • Divide the batter among three 8-inch cake pans. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes at room temperature for 1 hour, then freeze for at least another hour.
  • For the buttercream: Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F (see Cook's Note).
  • Meanwhile, place the egg whites in a clean mixer bowl and beat until bubbles form. Add the sugar and beat on high speed until fluffy. Turn off the mixer.
  • When the sugar syrup reaches the target temperature, slowly pour it into the egg whites. Mix on high speed until thick and fluffy.
  • Gradually mix in the butter cubes until the mixture comes together and is fluffy and smooth.
  • Add peanut butter, vanilla and coconut extract and mix until well combined. (Makes 4 cups.)
  • To assemble: Trim the cake layers to level them; this will help you frost the cakes and ensure the layers are even. Spread the first cake layer with buttercream. Stack the second layer on top and spread with buttercream. Stack the third cake layer. Add the buttercream to a piping bag and pipe onto the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting, using an offset or flat spatula. At this point, you can leave the frosting smooth or add some texture with the spatula.
  • Refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing.

ITALIAN MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Italian Meringue Buttercream Frosting image

There's several of these recipes on here, each one a little different, but since I found this one on the CRAFTSY site it's become my go to recipe and always a hit. Not to sweet, and easy to work with. Someone stated - "tastes like clouds it's so light" a little time intensive but oh so worth it

Provided by Bonnie G 2

Categories     Dessert

Time 40m

Yield 4 cups, 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 large egg whites
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar (500g)
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water (120ml)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 stickes unsalted butter, softened

Steps:

  • In bowl of stand mixer fitted with whip attachment, mix egg whites and cream of tarter on low speed.
  • Combine sugar, salt, wat and corn syrup in small saucepan, cook mixture over medium heat until it reaches 238 F.
  • Remove from heat, increas mixer speed to medium-high, and very slowly pour hot sugar mixture of egg whites, taking care not to pour onto the moving whip.
  • Increase speed to high and whip until mixture is thick, glossy, and cooled to room temperature, 6-8 minutes.
  • Add vanilla whip until just combined.
  • Reduce speed to low and slowly add softened butter, one stick at a time. Scrap down sides of bowl, switch to paddle attachment, increase speed to high, and whip until mixture is thickened and completely smooth, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 148.6, Sodium 70.5, Carbohydrate 35.9, Sugar 34.2, Protein 1.9

Tips:

  • Use unsalted butter: This allows you to control the amount of salt in the buttercream, and also prevents the buttercream from becoming too greasy.
  • Bring the butter to room temperature: This will make it easier to cream together with the sugar and other ingredients. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to mix and the buttercream will be lumpy.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will incorporate air into the buttercream, making it smooth and creamy. Creaming the butter and sugar together for at least 5 minutes will result in the best texture.
  • Add the flavorings gradually: Start with a small amount and then add more to taste. This will help you avoid overpowering the buttercream with flavor.
  • If the buttercream is too thick, add a little bit of milk or cream: This will help to thin it out and make it easier to spread.
  • If the buttercream is too thin, add a little bit of powdered sugar: This will help to thicken it up and make it more stable.
  • Use the buttercream immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks: If you are storing the buttercream in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before using it.

Conclusion:

Italian buttercream is a delicious and versatile frosting that can be used on a variety of cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. It is easy to make and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, you are sure to love this classic frosting.

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