1cupunsalted butter227g, room temperature and cubed
1tspvanilla extract5mL
pinchof saltoptional
Instructions
Combine sugar and water in medium saucepan. Heat over low heat while stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium- high and bring to a boil
Put egg yolks in a stand-mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and beat until thick and foamy.
Cook the sugar and water syrup until it reaches 240 degrees F. Immediately remove from heat. With mixer running, SLOWLY drizzle hot syrup into bowl with yolks.
Continue mixing until the bottom of the bowl is cool to the touch and the yolk mixture has cooled to room temperature.
Add in butter one cube at a time allowing each piece to incorporate before adding the next. Add vanilla and salt. Continue mixing until buttercream is smooth and creamy. (About 5-6 minutes.)
Video
Notes
THE BUTTER!! It has to be soft but not super soft about to melt. When you press into it the butter should yield but only after you apply a bit of pressure.
Don't let the sugar go past 240F, if you do things will get chunky.
When you add the sugar syrup in run the mixer on LOW, you don't want hot sugar splattering all over the place.
The recipe doesn't make a huge batch so if you're trying to ice a small naked cake make a double batch.