Swiss meringue buttercream is a versatile and delicious frosting that can elevate any cake or cupcake. Made with egg whites, sugar, and butter, this silky smooth frosting is perfect for piping, spreading, and even sculpting into intricate designs. In my previous article, I shared my go-to vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream recipe. But there are endless variations and flavor combinations you can try with this base recipe. In this article, I will share some tips and tricks for customizing and perfecting your Swiss meringue buttercream. So let's dive in and take your buttercream game to the next level.
If you're looking for a creamy and delicious frosting to top off your beer can chicken, look no further than this vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream. Made with real vanilla bean and a touch of sweetness, this frosting will add the perfect finishing touch to your chicken.
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Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream {dairy-free}
Main Ingredients: Large Egg Whites, Honey, Spectrum Shortening, Ghee
For those who are dairy-free, don't worry – you can still enjoy a delicious vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. By substituting dairy-free butter and using a dairy-free milk alternative, you can still achieve the same creamy and flavorful frosting without any dairy ingredients.
This classic Swiss meringue buttercream is a staple for any baker. Made with egg whites, sugar, and butter, this frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for topping off your beer can chicken. Its smooth texture and subtle vanilla flavor will complement the flavors of your chicken perfectly.
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Vanilla Layer Cake with Passionfruit Curd and Vanilla...
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Egg Yolks, Vanilla Bean Paste, Whole Milk
If you're feeling ambitious and want to take your beer can chicken to the next level, consider making a vanilla layer cake to serve alongside it. This recipe features layers of moist vanilla cake, tangy passionfruit curd, and rich vanilla buttercream. Trust us, your guests will be impressed.
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CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA SWISS MERINGUE...
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Bittersweet Chocolate, Dutch Processed
What goes better with beer can chicken than chocolate? These decadent chocolate cupcakes are topped with a generous swirl of vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream. The combination of flavors is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
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Best Swiss Meringue Buttercream, Easy SMBC Recipe,...
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, White Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter
If you're new to making Swiss meringue buttercream, this recipe is perfect for you. It's easy to follow and will result in a smooth, creamy frosting that can be flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or any other flavor you desire. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
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Dark Chocolate Mud Cake with Vanilla Swiss Meringue...
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Dark Chocolate, Kahlua, Water
This rich and indulgent dark chocolate mud cake is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Top it off with a generous layer of vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream for a sweet and creamy contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken.
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Vanilla Ombre Cake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt, Buttermilk
If you want to make a statement with your cake, consider this stunning vanilla ombre cake with Swiss meringue buttercream. With layers of gradually darkening vanilla cake and a smooth, pastel-colored frosting, this cake will be a showstopper at your next dinner party.
This simple yet delicious Swiss meringue buttercream is a great all-purpose frosting for any occasion. Made with just four ingredients – egg whites, sugar, butter, and vanilla – it's easy to make and can be flavored in a variety of ways.
If you want to elevate your vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream to the next level, try using real vanilla bean instead of just extract. The tiny black specks of vanilla bean add a beautiful visual element to the frosting and enhance the vanilla flavor.
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Mini Vanilla Layer Cakes with Strawberry Swiss...
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Eggs, Milk, Vanilla, All
For a fun and unique twist on a traditional cake, consider making these adorable mini vanilla layer cakes with strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream. The tangy, fruity frosting pairs perfectly with the light and fluffy vanilla cake layers.
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Swiss Meringue Buttercream SMBC
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Sugar, Cream Of Tartar, Butter, Vanilla
This Swiss meringue buttercream recipe is a must-try for any frosting lover. Its silky smooth texture and delicious flavor make it the perfect topping for your beer can chicken. Plus, it's versatile enough to use on a variety of desserts.
If you're a fan of berries, you'll love this strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream. Made with fresh strawberries, this frosting has a bright and fruity flavor that pairs well with the savory flavors of your chicken. Plus, its light pink color adds a pop of color to your plate.
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Nutella Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Egg Whites, Butter, Vanilla, Nutella
If you're a fan of Nutella, you'll love this rich and decadent Nutella Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. The addition of the chocolate hazelnut spread takes this frosting to a whole new level and pairs perfectly with the flavors of your beer can chicken.
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Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Brown Sugar Swiss Meringue...
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar, Coconut
For a unique twist on a classic carrot cake, try making these carrot cake cupcakes with brown sugar Swiss meringue buttercream. The brown sugar adds a depth of flavor to the frosting, and the cupcakes are the perfect size for individual servings at your dinner table.
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Mocha Cake with Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Main Ingredients: Cocoa Powder, Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Eggs
If you're a coffee lover, this mocha cake with Swiss meringue buttercream is the dessert for you. The combination of chocolate and coffee flavors is irresistible, and the smooth and creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to this decadent cake.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Raw Cane Sugar, Vanilla Bean, Large Eggs
This unique hummingbird cake is filled with tropical flavors like banana, pineapple, and coconut. But the real star of the show is the lavender Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. The floral notes add a delicate and unexpected twist to this classic cake.
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Vanilla Cupcake with Strawberry Swiss Meringue...
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Eggs, Egg White
If you're short on time, you can still enjoy a delicious dessert with these vanilla cupcakes with strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream. The cupcakes come together quickly, and the frosting is made with just three ingredients – egg whites, sugar, and fresh strawberries.
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Banana Cake with Bailey's Swiss Meringue Buttercream...
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Sour Cream, Large Egg, Unsalted Butter, Banana
This banana cake with Bailey's Swiss meringue buttercream frosting is the ultimate indulgence. The rich and moist banana cake is taken to the next level with the addition of Bailey's Irish cream in the frosting. It's the perfect dessert for a special occasion.
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Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes with Caramel Swiss Meringue...
Main Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Flour, Cocoa
For a unique and decadent dessert, try making these chocolate bacon cupcakes with caramel Swiss meringue buttercream. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is irresistible, and the smooth and creamy frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Customize Your Flavors
Vanilla Extract
One of the key ingredients in this vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream recipe is, of course, the vanilla extract. It adds a beautiful depth of flavor and pairs well with almost any cake flavor. But don't limit yourself to just using regular vanilla extract. You can experiment with different types of vanilla, such as Madagascar, Mexican, or Tahitian, to add a unique twist to your buttercream.
Other Extracts
Aside from vanilla, you can also add other extracts to your buttercream for a burst of flavor. Almond, lemon, and peppermint are just a few examples of extracts that work well with Swiss meringue buttercream. Just remember to use high-quality extracts for the best results.
Fruit Purees
For a more natural flavor, you can also add fruit purees to your buttercream. Simply mix in a small amount of your favorite puree, such as raspberry or mango, to the buttercream before adding the butter. Not only will this add flavor, but it will also give your buttercream a beautiful color.
Play with Color
Natural Food Coloring
If you want to avoid artificial food coloring, you can use natural alternatives to add color to your buttercream. Beet powder, matcha powder, and even ground freeze-dried fruits are all great options for achieving vibrant colors without any artificial ingredients.
Gel Food Coloring
On the other hand, if you want bold and intense colors, gel food coloring is the way to go. Gel food coloring is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired color.
Perfect Your Consistency
Stiff Buttercream
Stiff buttercream is perfect for piping flowers and other intricate designs. To achieve this consistency, simply add less butter to your buttercream. You can also add a little bit of shortening if needed. Just make sure to beat the buttercream well to incorporate it fully.
Soft Buttercream
For a softer and smoother buttercream that is easier to spread, add more butter to your base recipe. You can also add a splash of heavy cream for a creamier consistency. Keep in mind that this type of buttercream is not suitable for detailed piping work.
Get Creative with Add-ins
Chocolate
Who doesn't love chocolate? You can easily turn your vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream into chocolate buttercream by adding melted and cooled chocolate to the mixture. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well, depending on your preference.
Crushed Cookies
For a delicious and crunchy texture, try adding crushed cookies to your buttercream. Oreo or graham crackers are great options for adding a hint of chocolate or cinnamon flavor to your buttercream.
Nuts
Chopped nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, can add a delightful crunch and flavor to your buttercream. Just make sure to chop them finely before adding them to the mixture.
With these tips and tricks, you can easily customize and perfect your vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream recipe to suit your taste and needs. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with different flavors, colors, and add-ins. Your buttercream will be the star of any dessert!
