When you want a creamy smooth buttercream there are two choices, Swiss or Italian buttercream. I love both but have to admit there is less less chance of burning myself when making the swiss variety as you’re gently heating the meringue over a double boiler. The other benefit of these buttercreams is the color; you can get a very bright white with them and not have to resort to covering your cake in fondant.
Lets talk about a couple potential problems. I think the most common issue is related to adding the butter when the meringue is still too warm. If you don’t wait long enough then the mixture will be soupy, which is a bummer. Luckily you can pop the bowl into the freezer for a few minutes, then give it a whip and it should be right as rain. If your start using the buttercream and it has lots of little bubbles and isn’t silky and pliable then it’s been sitting for a bit too long. All you need to do is give it a 5 second whisk and it will wake back up and regain it’s consistency.
Some things to avoid:
Don’t get fat in your bowl, make sure it’s clean (I actually give mine a quick rub with a lemon then wipe with a paper towel)
Don’t let any yolks get into your whites when you separate the eggs. The easiest avoid yolks is to separate the eggs one at a time into separate bowls and then pour the white in as you go along.
Don’t get scared when you add the butter in! if it’s a soup or if it’s looking wonky just chill is a few minutes then get back to mixing.
If your idea of warm is tepid then go ahead and use a thermometer to see when your egg white mixture has reached 160F.
How to make Swiss Buttercream
A step-by-step guide to making silky Swiss buttercream.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 5 egg whites at room temperature
- 2 cups unsalted butter 452g, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 300g
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
INSTRUCTIONS
Add egg whites, sugar and salt in a bowl.
Give the mixture a brief whisk.
Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the water does not touch the bowl.
Whisk the egg whites occasionally while it warms up. When the mixture has warmed, whisk it constantly. You will heat the mixture until it reaches an internal temperature of 160ºF or until it's not grainy between your fingers.
Transfer the bowl to a stand mixer, mix with a whisk attachment until you get room temperature glossy peaks.
Switch to a paddle attachment and while the mixture is running on low, add tablespoon sized dollops of room temperature butter making sure to let the butter incorporate before you add the next piece. Once all the butter is incorporated, go ahead and add the vanilla extract. You can transfer it to a piping bag or to a ziplock bag to store in the freezer.
Recipe Notes
*To reactivate the buttercream after it has been frozen, allow it to come to room temperature then whip it.
Would this remain stable if it’s really hot outside
Hi Alex,
It would be stable but SOFT. So things might get droopy fast in hot weather.
What would type of icing would you suggest if it’s really hot? I live in the Bahamas and buttercream gets droopy really fast ☹️
Italian meringue buttercream and Swiss meringue buttercream will hold its stability in hot weather. It is the only kind I make. If the temperature is above 90 and no wind, add a couple tablespoons meringue powder and you will not have absolutely any problems with heat outdoors. Enjoy the silky smooth flavor. So good
At what stage do you add the meringue powder? Does it completely dissolve so that there is no graininess?
How would flavorings be added?
Joyce,
Add in flavors during the last step!
John
Hello
Can this be used for piping flowers? Is it stiff enough?
Thanks
Absolutely. The egg whites hold their shape and I think it is better to pipe with.
So I was so excited to make this, but my frosting is just a big bowl of liquid! What happened? Can I fix it?
Amber,
Try sticking it in the fridge for 10 minutes, then give it a whip. Make sure you added all of the butter in! I hope that your meringue was the right temperature!
John
This happens if you used boxed egg whites/pre-separated that come refrigerated, as it’s the only time my eggs didn’t whip up. If you are using them, you’ll need to add cream of tartar. I think I had to google the amount to add per egg/batch of frosting. If it turned to liquid AFTER the butter, then let it cool before whipping on high speed again. It’ll come together.
Oh dear, I think I missed something. Should I have whipped the meringue when I first put it into the mixer until stiff and then added the butter?
Jessica,
The meringue shouldn’t be stiff and fluffy before you transfer to the mixer! Sounds like you’re on the right track! The butter will give the mixture body!
John
Can you leave Swiss meringue buttercream out at room temperature for a few days??
Mary,
It’s fine over night at room temperature, just cover it! I would try to use it as soon as possible! Hope that helps!
John
Hello. Would you please have the weight in grams not cups ?
Thanks so much
Kerwin,
Just updated the recipe! Hope you enjoy!
John
thanks so much 🙂
You mention to paddle mixture but image shows a whip (step 5). Which is appropriate? Thanks. Appreciate your site.
Wm,
Use a paddle attachment for this step! I took a photo with a whisk in this step, but it should be a paddle!
John
How many cups of frosting does this recipe make?
Hannah,
Not sure about the exact amount, but I filled 5 large piping bags with the batch! Hope you enjoy!
John
The recipe says to use right away or freeze, but no mention of refrigeration. How about popping it in the fridge for say, 3 days? Do I just need to get it to room temp and whip it up again before piping? Thanks!
Kat,
You’re right! Storing the buttercream in the fridge for 3 days it absolutely fine. Make sure it’s airtight. When you’re ready to use it, leave it on the counter to come to room temp and give it a quick whip before piping! Hope that helps!
John
Hi John
At what stage can you add flavorings, coloring’s in?
Hey Dana,
I do it at the end but you can add the flavorings right after the butter goes in!
Best,
John!
Hi John
do you think i can add some melted chocolate to this to make chocolate buttercream? How can i also darken it and make it the colour of dark chocolate and not a light brown colour
Hi John! Just discovered your page and I love your recipes! I’m trying to make the flowers in your piping tutorial. Did you use Italian or Swiss buttercream for that? What are the texture/taste differences between the two kinds of buttercream?
Hi Tracy,
I would use American buttercream for the flowers. Thats what I use because it has a thicker texture so it’s perfect for piping flowers!
Best,
John