Buttercream Frosting Recipe

My last post was on the Vanilla Cupcakes that I made for my birthday. And while that's all good and dandy, what makes a cupcake fantastic is of course, the frosting!

This is a Meringue-based frosting meaning it's made out of eggwhites. There are several different ways of making buttercream and while some may find it tricky, it's actually wonderfully easy! I would want to say it's a piece of cake, but...well...Oh what the hell. Trust me guys.

This one'll be a piece of cake. ;)

For Baking 101 please read this for important baking tips/tricks. Remember: have all your ingredients at room temperature unless stated otherwise!

Ingredients

3 large egg whites
¾ cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into smaller pieces (I usually do about 12+)

Instructions

Combine egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl and set over simmering water. Make sure it is not touching the water

Whisk constantly with a handmixer, and a whisk attachment, on high until mixture reaches 160F. If you don't have a thermometer, whisk until mixture holds stiff peaks

Take off heat and whisk some more until mixture is at room temperature

With paddle attachments, incorporate salt and the butter a little at a time

Finally, beat the mixture on high speed until it is smooth and creamy

You can then add flavourings of choice (or leave plain), such as:
Vanilla, Almond, Chocolate, Caramel, Coconut and my personal favourite, coffee!