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authentic italian meringue buttercream frosting

(2 ratings)
ArtByASM avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Annamaria Settanni McDonald
@ArtByASM
Brooklyn, OH

This is a creamy light version that is not rich and heavy. Very smooth with subtle sweet tones. This recipe reflects the naturalness and simplicity that Italians use in their recipes.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

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.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(2 ratings)
yield serving(s)
prep time 40 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For authentic italian meringue buttercream frosting

  • 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

How To Make authentic italian meringue buttercream frosting

  • Egg whites in a mixing bowl.
    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.
  • Sugar and water in a pan.
    2
    Put the sugar and water into a pan. Bring it to a boil on medium-high and then start the timer.
  • Water and sugar boiling on the stove.
    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).
  • Hot sugar syrup incorporated into the bowl.
    4
    With the mixer still going on high speed slowly pour the hot sugar syrup down the side of the mixing bowl.
  • Beating the mixture with the paddle attachment.
    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.
  • Slowly incorporating butter.
    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.
  • Adding vanilla extract.
    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.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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