Swiss Meringue Buttercream for Tiered Cakes
Don't worry if the buttercream appears curdled after you've added butter; it will come together after you beat it with the paddle attachment.
- Yield: Makes 9 cups
Photography: Lisa Hubbard
Source: Martha Stewart Weddings, Winter 2002
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds (8 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 10 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions
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In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until fluffy and pale. Transfer to a bowl.
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Fill a medium saucepan one-quarter full with water; bring to a boil. Simmer.
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Combine sugar and egg whites in heat-proof bowl or clean bowl of electric mixer; place over saucepan. Whisk constantly until sugar dissolves and whites are warm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes. Test by rubbing between your fingers.
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Beat egg-white mixture on medium speed until fluffy and cooled, about 10 minutes. On high speed, whisk until stiff peaks form. Reduce speed to medium-low; add butter a few tablespoons at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
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Switch to paddle attachment; beat mixture on lowest speed, 3 to 5 minutes. Leave at room temperature if using the same day.
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