20 Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe Serious Eats Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Italian meringue buttercream is a rich, luxurious frosting that is perfect for elevating any dessert. Unlike traditional buttercream, which can be heavy and overly sweet, Italian meringue buttercream has a light and airy texture with a balanced sweetness. It may seem intimidating to make, but with the right recipe and technique, anyone can master this delicious frosting. In this article, we will explore a professional and well-organized recipe for Italian meringue buttercream from Serious Eats, a trusted source for all things food and cooking. So, grab your apron and let's get started on creating the perfect Italian meringue buttercream!
Italian meringue buttercream is a delicious and versatile frosting that is perfect for any occasion. Made with whipped egg whites, sugar, and butter, this creamy frosting has a light and fluffy texture that is sure to impress. It's a staple in Italian baking and has become a favorite among bakers all over the world. Whether you're looking for a simple vanilla bean flavor, or something more unique like mocha or lemon coconut, there is a recipe for everyone to enjoy.
The key to making a perfect Italian meringue buttercream is in the technique. Unlike traditional buttercream, which is made by creaming butter and sugar together, Italian meringue buttercream involves creating a hot sugar syrup and slowly adding it to whipped egg whites. This creates a stable and glossy meringue that is then combined with softened butter to create a smooth and creamy frosting. The result is a light and airy icing that is perfect for piping, filling, or spreading on cakes and cupcakes.
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Italian Meringue Buttercream Tutorial
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Large Egg Whites, Salt, Cream Of Tartar
If you're new to making Italian meringue buttercream, don't worry! It may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and patience, you'll soon be a pro. To help you get started, here's a simple tutorial to guide you through the steps of making this delicious frosting. Just remember to take your time and follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
One of the great things about Italian meringue buttercream is its versatility. Not only is it perfect for cakes and cupcakes, but it can also be used as a filling for macarons, sandwich cookies, and more. The addition of flavor extracts or fruit purees can also transform this frosting into a whole new flavor experience. Whether you're looking for a classic vanilla bean flavor or something more adventurous like a coconut lime or pistachio buttercream, the possibilities are endless.
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Yo's Italian Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Large Egg Whites, Unsalted
If you're a fan of the popular YouTube baking channel, "How to Cake It," then you're probably familiar with Yo's famous Italian meringue buttercream recipe. Her version of this frosting is a bit different from the traditional method, as she uses a Swiss meringue base and incorporates Italian meringue into it. The result is a deliciously smooth and creamy buttercream that is perfect for decorating cakes and creating intricate designs.
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Mocha Italian Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Egg Whites, Unsalted Butter
For all the coffee lovers out there, this mocha Italian meringue buttercream is a dream come true. Made with instant espresso powder and rich dark chocolate, this frosting is a delicious combination of sweet and bitter flavors. It's perfect for topping a decadent chocolate cake or filling chocolate cupcakes. You can also add a splash of Kahlua or Baileys for an extra kick.
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Vegan Italian Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: Dairy Free Milk, Apple Cider Vinegar, Self Raising
Good news for all the vegans out there – you can still enjoy a delicious Italian meringue buttercream without any animal products! This vegan version uses aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) in place of egg whites, and vegan butter instead of dairy butter. The result is a light and fluffy frosting that is perfect for any vegan-friendly dessert.
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Italian Meringue Buttercream (IMBC)
Main Ingredients: White Sugar, Water, Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Salt
For those who prefer a more traditional approach, this IMBC recipe is for you. Made with only five simple ingredients – egg whites, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt – this frosting is light, creamy, and not too sweet. It's perfect for those who find traditional buttercream to be too heavy and sweet. You can also add a bit of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing twist.
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Yo's Chocolate Italian Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Large Egg Whites, Unsalted
If you're a chocolate lover, then this recipe is a must-try. Yo's famous Italian meringue buttercream recipe is taken to the next level with the addition of rich dark chocolate. It's perfect for topping a chocolate cake or filling chocolate cupcakes. You can also add a bit of mint extract for a delicious chocolate mint flavor.
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Italian Meringue Buttercream IMBC
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Salt, Extra Fine
IMBC stands for Italian meringue buttercream, and it's a popular term used by bakers to refer to this type of frosting. This version of Italian meringue buttercream uses a Swiss meringue base and incorporates Italian meringue into it. The result is a smooth and creamy frosting that is perfect for decorating cakes and creating intricate designs.
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Yo's Famous Italian Meringue Buttercream!
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Egg Whites, Unsalted Butter
Yo's famous Italian meringue buttercream recipe has gained a cult following among bakers all over the world. Her unique method of making this frosting involves creating a Swiss meringue base and incorporating Italian meringue into it. The result is a deliciously smooth and creamy buttercream that is perfect for decorating cakes and creating intricate designs.
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Vanilla Bean Italian Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: White Granulated Sugar, Large Egg Whites, Unsalted
Sometimes, simple is best. This vanilla bean Italian meringue buttercream is a classic flavor that never goes out of style. Made with real vanilla beans, this frosting has a rich and intense vanilla flavor that is perfect for any occasion. You can also add a bit of almond extract for a delicious vanilla almond flavor.
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How to make Italian meringue buttercream
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Caster Sugar, Egg Whites, Unsalted Butter
If you're wondering how to make Italian meringue buttercream, the process is actually quite simple. First, you'll need to create a hot sugar syrup by cooking sugar and water together until it reaches the soft-ball stage. Then, you'll slowly pour the syrup into whipped egg whites to create a stable and glossy meringue. Finally, you'll add softened butter to the meringue, one piece at a time, until it becomes a creamy and smooth frosting.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Coconut Flour, Baking Powder, Salt
These lemon coconut cupcakes are a perfect summertime treat. The light and fluffy cupcakes are filled with tangy lemon curd and topped with a creamy Italian meringue buttercream. The addition of toasted coconut on top adds a delicious crunch and texture to the cupcakes. Trust us, one bite and you'll be hooked.
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Pink Ombre Cake With Italian Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Eggs, Milk, Vanilla Extract, Cake Flour, Baking
Looking to impress at your next party or event? This pink ombre cake with Italian meringue buttercream is sure to do the trick. The beautiful gradient effect is achieved by adding varying amounts of pink food coloring to the frosting. The result is a stunning cake that tastes just as good as it looks.
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Authentic Italian Meringue Buttercream Frosting
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cold Water, Egg Whites, Unsalted Butter, Pure
If you're looking for an authentic Italian meringue buttercream recipe, this is it. Made with only five simple ingredients – egg whites, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt – this frosting has a light and airy texture and a subtle sweetness. It's perfect for topping any cake or cupcake, and it's sure to impress your friends and family.
While Italian meringue buttercream is most commonly used as a frosting, it can also be used in savory dishes. This Italian crescent casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that combines Italian sausage, cheese, and crescent rolls with a layer of Italian meringue buttercream in the center. It's a unique twist on a classic dish that will leave you craving more.
If you're following a keto diet, you'll be happy to know that you can still enjoy Italian meringue buttercream in a low-carb form. These keto Italian meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and almond flour, and are topped with a tangy and savory Italian meringue buttercream sauce. It's a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy this classic Italian flavor.
These Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms are a perfect appetizer for any gathering. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, cheese, and Italian meringue buttercream creates a flavorful and creamy filling that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Plus, they're easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the delicious flavor of Italian meringue buttercream, these quick and easy Italian meatballs are the perfect solution. Made with pre-made frozen meatballs and a simple Italian meringue buttercream sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It's a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Italian Meringue Buttercream
Egg Whites
The key ingredient in Italian meringue buttercream is egg whites. They are whipped to create a light, fluffy meringue that gives the frosting its signature texture. It is important to use fresh and room temperature egg whites for the best results. This will ensure that they whip up easily and reach their maximum volume.
Sugar
Another crucial ingredient is sugar, which provides the sweetness in the frosting. The Serious Eats recipe calls for granulated sugar, which is cooked with water to create a simple syrup. This syrup is then poured into the egg whites while they are being whipped, creating a stable and glossy meringue.
Butter
To balance out the sweetness of the meringue, butter is added to the recipe. It is important to use unsalted butter that is softened to room temperature. This will allow it to incorporate smoothly into the meringue, creating a creamy and rich frosting.
Vanilla Extract
For flavor, the Serious Eats recipe recommends using pure vanilla extract. This will add a subtle but delicious vanilla flavor to the buttercream. You can also experiment with other extracts such as almond or lemon to create different variations of the frosting.
Technique for Making Italian Meringue Buttercream
Creating the Meringue
To make Italian meringue buttercream, you will need to first make a meringue by whipping together the egg whites and sugar. This is done by gradually adding the hot sugar syrup to the egg whites while they are being whipped. Be sure to pour the syrup in a slow and steady stream, while also avoiding the whisk attachment to prevent splattering.
Incorporating the Butter
Once the meringue has reached stiff peaks, it is time to add the butter. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and gradually add them to the meringue while continuing to whip. It is important to add the butter slowly to prevent the frosting from breaking. If the frosting appears soupy or curdled, continue to whip until it comes together into a smooth and creamy consistency.
Adding Flavor
Finally, add in the vanilla extract and any other desired flavors. You can also add food coloring to create a colorful frosting. Once all the ingredients are fully incorporated, your Italian meringue buttercream is ready to use!
In conclusion, with this professional recipe from Serious Eats, you can create a delicious and versatile Italian meringue buttercream that will take your desserts to the next level. So next time you want to impress your guests with a beautifully frosted cake or cupcakes, give this recipe a try and taste the difference that Italian meringue buttercream can make.
