Swiss buttercream is the quickest way to a silky buttercream frosting that both spreads beautifully and pipes well. You can flavor it with any extract you choose; see "tips," below, for flavor ideas.
In a large heatproof mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together (briefly) the sugar, egg whites, and salt.
Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (you should just barely see some lazy bubbles coming up), and whisk constantly until the mixture measures 161°F (71.7°C) on a digital thermometer.
Remove the bowl from the heat, and beat the meringue with your mixer's whisk attachment until stiff.
With the mixer running, add the butter a few tablespoons at a time. Make sure each portion of butter is completely incorporated before adding the next.
Once half the butter is in, stop and scrape any sticky residue from the sides and bottom of the bowl. Whisk to combine, then finish adding the rest of the butter.
Beat in the flavoring of your choice. (See "tips," below for options.)
If the frosting seems soft, chill for 15 minutes before using.
Store for up to one week in the refrigerator, or six months in the freezer.
The classic flavor for this frosting is vanilla: add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste, to taste. Or try these flavors:
- For coconut buttercream: Add 1/2 teaspoon coconut flavoring and 1/2 cup coconut milk powder.
- For chocolate buttercream: Reserve 12 tablespoons (170g) of the butter from the recipe. Melt 1 cup (170g) chopped bittersweet chocolate and cool to room temperature. Stir together the melted chocolate and butter, then add to the frosting.
- For raspberry buttercream: Add 2 tablespoons raspberry purée, or simply mix a half pint of fresh raspberries into the finished frosting.
- For lemon buttercream: Add 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon rind (zest) and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice. Or substitute 1 tablespoon (9g) lemon juice powder for the zest and juice, adding it to the aquafaba before beating.
Looking for a vegan version of this frosting? See our recipe, Vegan Swiss Buttercream, for details.
