5 from 1,336 votes
How to Make Italian Buttercream
Italian Buttercream is a smooth, silky frosting made by whipping egg whites with hot sugar syrup, then blending in softened butter. The process produces a stable, creamy icing with a subtle sweetness and a light texture, ideal for cake decorating and finishing.
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings:
10
servings
Calories:
436 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
Italian, American
Ingredients
- 4 egg large, room temperature, white
- 1⅓ cups granulated sugar (267g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt optional
- 16 ounces butter 454g) room temperature cut into 1-inch pieces, unsalted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional (4.9mL, pure
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (0.84g)
- ⅓ cup water (79mL)
Instructions
- Beat the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar, slowly add in ⅓ cup of sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- While the eggs are getting whipped add the remaining sugar and ⅓ cup of water into a medium pot and place on medium-low heat.
- Stir until sugar melts and becomes clear.
- Maintain at medium-high heat until temperature reads 235-240F.
- Drizzle the sugar into the mixer immediately. At this point the meringue should be at the soft peak stage.
- Run mixer until meringue is cool/tepid.
- Switch to a paddle attachment. Add room temperature butter into running mixer one tablespoon piece at a time.
- Add the salt and vanilla if using.
- Beat until butter is combined and mixture has reached a silky consistency.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Separate eggs while cold but allow whites to come to room temperature before whipping for better volume.
- Ensure bowls and tools are clean and free of any fat or yolk to allow egg whites to whip properly.
- Use a medium-sized pot for heating sugar syrup to prevent overflow during boiling.
- Monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup closely and do not exceed 240°F to avoid crystallization.
- The buttercream can be flavored with vanilla extract and lightly salted to balance sweetness.
- Italian Buttercream spreads smoothly and can be used for cake decorating; refer to decorating guides for techniques.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1batch
Calories
436kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
27g
(9%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
37g
(57%)
Saturated Fat
23g
(115%)
Cholesterol
98mg
(33%)
Sodium
26mg
(1%)
Potassium
43mg
(1%)
Sugar
27g
(54%)
Vitamin A
1134IU
(23%)
Calcium
11mg
(1%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 436
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1batch | |
| Calories | 436kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 26mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 43mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 27g | 54% |
| Vitamin A | 1134IU | 23% |
| Calcium | 11mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.