ITALIAN BUTTERCREAM RECIPE

Name: Italian Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 4 egg whites large, room temperature; 1 1/3 cups (267 grams) granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt, optional; 2 cups (454 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract optional; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar; 1/3 cup water

Frosting

Mar 30

Written By Sasha Nary

Print My Recipe!

The first buttercream I ever tried which made me fall in love with cake decorating! It's beautiful smooth finish, subtle sweetness, and airy consistency will have you bag for more! Perfect for both filling and decorating your cakes and bakes.

Reasons to Love This Italian Buttercream

Silky Smooth Heaven: Imagine spreading this buttercream and having it glide on like a dream. It’s incredibly smooth and creamy—definitely a cake’s best friend!
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: This buttercream has just the right touch of flavor to let the rich butter taste shine through, without being overwhelming.
So Versatile: From frosting to piping, this buttercream is ready for any decorating adventure. Plus, it holds its shape beautifully, making it perfect for those elaborate cake designs.
Elegant Finish: Whether you’re dressing up a simple cake or creating a showstopper, this buttercream adds a touch of sophistication and a glossy finish that’s simply irresistible.

Tools and Equipment

Stand Mixer: This is your trusty sidekick for whipping up that dreamy, fluffy texture. If you don’t have one, a hand mixer will do, but be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Candy Thermometer: The key to perfect syrup is hitting 240°F (115°C). This thermometer is your best friend for ensuring it’s just right.
Heatproof Bowl: Use this to mix your egg whites and syrup over simmering water. A glass or metal bowl works wonders.
Spatula: Essential for folding in the butter and mixing until smooth. Plus, it’s great for scraping every last bit of that delicious buttercream from the bowl!
Piping Bags and Tips: Time to get creative! These are perfect for adding those gorgeous finishing touches to your cakes and cupcakes.

Ingredients

4 egg whites large, room temperature
1 1/3 cups (267 grams) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt, optional
2 cups (454 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tsp pure vanilla extract optional
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/3 cup water

Instructions

Beat the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar, slowly add in 1/3 cup of sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
While the eggs are getting whipped add the remaining sugar and 1/3 cup water into a medium pot and place on medium-low heat.
Stir until sugar melts and becomes clear.
Maintain at medium-high heat until temperature reads 235-240F.
Drizzle the sugar into the mixer immediately. At this point, the meringue should be at the soft peak stage.
Run mixer until meringue is cool/tepid.
Switch to a paddle attachment. Add room temperature butter into the running mixer one tablespoon piece at a time.
Add the salt and vanilla if using.
Beat until butter is combined and the mixture has reached a silky consistency.

Tips for Success

Clean Equipment: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are squeaky clean. Even the tiniest bit of grease can keep your egg whites from fluffing up to perfection.
Syrup Sweet Spot: Use your candy thermometer to get the syrup to 240°F. This ensures your meringue will turn out perfectly.
Cool Meringue First: Let the meringue cool to room temperature before adding the butter. This step keeps your buttercream light and fluffy.
Butter Consistency: Your butter should be soft but not melted. This helps it blend in smoothly without turning into a puddle of mess.

Troubleshooting Tips

Buttercream Looking Curled? No stress! Keep mixing on high speed, and it will come together as it warms up and incorporates air.
Too Runny? Pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. Give it a quick whip to get it back to that perfect consistency.
Grainy Texture? This usually means the syrup wasn’t fully dissolved. Make sure your syrup is completely smooth before adding it to the meringue.

Variations

Chocolate Bliss: Melt some chocolate and fold it into the buttercream for a rich, indulgent twist. It’s like chocolate heaven in every bite!
Vanilla Elegance: Add a splash of vanilla bean paste for a deeper vanilla flavor and those charming little flecks of vanilla throughout.
Fruity Fun: Mix in fruit purees like raspberry or lemon for a fresh, fruity kick. It’s a delightful way to brighten up your buttercream!

Storing and Serving

Storing: Keep any leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw and give it a good whip before using.
Serving: Let your buttercream come to room temperature before spreading or piping. A quick whip after it’s been chilled will restore its fluffy, dreamy texture.

More Decorating Ideas

Floral Fantasy: Pipe out beautiful flowers using a flower tip for a touch of elegance. It’s like giving your cake a floral makeover!
Smooth Operator: For a flawless finish, use a bench scraper to smooth out your buttercream. It’s the secret to that professional look.
Textured Touches: Experiment with different piping tips to add fun textures and patterns to your cakes. It’s all about getting creative!

Pairing Suggestions

Beverages: Pair your buttercream-frosted creations with a steaming cup of coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or a refreshing iced tea. Deliciously indulgent!
Desserts: This buttercream is fabulous on layered cakes, cupcakes, or even as a filling for macarons. The options are endless!
Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. They add a burst of flavor that complements the rich, creamy buttercream beautifully.

Fun Trivia

Italian Buttercream Origins: This creamy delight hails from Italy and is named for its luxurious texture and sophisticated taste. It’s a true testament to Italian dessert craftsmanship!
Buttercream’s Sweet History: Italian buttercream became popular in the late 19th century. It’s been a favorite ever since for its versatility and gorgeous finish.
Cake Decorating Facts: Did you know that Italian buttercream is a favorite among professional decorators for wedding cakes? Its stability and elegance make it the perfect choice for those special occasions!