Swiss meringue buttercream
Treat yourself to the luxurious taste and texture of Swiss Meringue Buttercream to take your cakes to the next level. This delicious recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for filling and frosting a three-tier cake and guaranteed to make a stunning centerpiece. Don’t worry if you’re making a smaller batch as this recipe can easily be halved to suit your baking needs. Immerse yourself in the velvety softness of Swiss meringue buttercream and add a touch of elegance to your creations.
Ingredients
- 300g protein
- 600g powdered sugar
- 800g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation steps
- Place the egg whites and powdered sugar in a heatproof bowl and place over a pan of barely simmering water. Be careful not to let the water touch the bottom of the bowl.
- Stir gently for a few minutes until no grains of sugar can be felt between your fingers when touched.
- Place the mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
- Whisk on medium speed until the mixture becomes meringue-like and reaches stiff peaks, about 3 minutes.
- (You could use an electric whisk, but that takes significantly longer, about 35 minutes.)
- Add butter a tablespoon at a time and stir to combine before adding again.
- It may look curdled and soupy, but be patient and continue beating until you have a smooth, fluffy buttercream.
- Stir in vanilla.
- If you are using this buttercream to frost a cake, switch to the mixer attachment and set it to low speed for a few minutes – this will help remove air bubbles from the frosting and ensure a smoother finish to your cake.
- If you prefer, you can also add melted chocolate, freeze-dried fruit powder, malt extract, or other flavorings.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 472 | 36g | 23g | 34g | 0g | 0g | 2g | 0.09g |
Equipment and tools
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk attachment
- Heat-resistant bowl
- Pot
- thermometer
- spatula
Allergen information
Please note that this Swiss Meringue Buttercream recipe contains the following allergens:
- protein
- butter
Be sure to check your specific brands and ingredients for possible other allergens.
Storage and leftovers
If you have leftover Swiss meringue buttercream, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and then whip it again to reach the desired consistency. If stored correctly, it should still taste delicious!
Health Benefits of Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Swiss Meringue Buttercream is a delicious frosting that not only enhances the taste of cakes and pastries but also provides several health benefits. Made with a combination of egg whites, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract, this creamy and light frosting is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also nourishes the body in several ways.
1. Good source of protein
Egg whites, the main ingredient in Swiss meringue buttercream, are an excellent source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissue, supporting muscle strength, and improving overall body function. Adding Swiss meringue buttercream to your diet will give you a protein boost while satisfying your sweet tooth.
2. Rich in healthy fats
Unsalted butter, a key ingredient in Swiss meringue buttercream, contains healthy fats that are vital to the body. These healthy fats contribute to optimal brain function, provide energy, support nutrient absorption and promote cell growth. Consuming moderate amounts of Swiss meringue buttercream can help you incorporate these beneficial fats into your diet.
3. Source of essential vitamins
In addition to protein and healthy fats, Swiss Meringue Buttercream offers some important vitamins. Egg whites are rich in vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and choline, which are important for maintaining proper body functions. At the same time, butter adds vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E to the frosting, providing additional nutritional value.
4. No artificial preservatives
When you make Swiss meringue buttercream at home, you have control over the ingredients you use. Unlike commercial frostings, which often contain artificial preservatives, you can avoid these additives when making your own buttercream. By eliminating artificial preservatives from your diet, you can reduce your intake of potentially harmful chemicals and enjoy a healthier dessert.
5. Versatility and allergen-friendliness
Swiss meringue buttercream can be easily customized with different flavors, colors and add-ins. This versatility allows people with different dietary preferences and restrictions to enjoy this frosting. If you have allergies or intolerances, Swiss Meringue Buttercream offers an allergen-friendly option, especially when using high-quality ingredients without allergenic substances.
Overall, Swiss Meringue Buttercream serves as a delicious addition to cakes and pastries while providing a number of health benefits. Its high protein content, healthy fats, essential vitamins, no artificial preservatives, and allergen-friendliness make it a more nutrient-dense alternative to store-bought frostings. Incorporating Swiss meringue buttercream into your homemade treats can both satisfy your sweet tooth and nourish your body.
