{"id":1533387,"date":"2020-09-16T06:45:17","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T16:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/swiss-meringue-buttercream\/"},"modified":"2024-07-02T12:15:47","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T17:15:47","slug":"swiss-meringue-buttercream-recipe","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/swiss-meringue-buttercream-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Swiss Meringue Buttercream"},"content":{"rendered":"
When it comes to topping layer cakes, many of us rely on a classic recipe. American buttercream frosting<\/a> is made of butter, confectioners’ sugar and milk, and it’s a cinch to make. But there are so many delicious frostings out there that it’s worth branching out\u2014particularly for a rich Swiss meringue buttercream.<\/p>\n Swiss meringue buttercream is a butter-based frosting that starts by heating and whisking egg whites and sugar together. The mixture is then whipped and whipped until it cools. After that, butter is added a bit at a time until a super-rich, buttery frosting forms.<\/p>\n You can use Swiss meringue buttercream in place of any of your other favorite frosting recipes. It’s great for using in layer cakes<\/a>, swirling on top of pretty 13×9-inch cakes<\/a>, and even piping simple cake decorations.<\/p>\n This type of frosting does differ from the classic American-style buttercream many of us are familiar with. While the American version tends to be very sweet and can form a bit of a shell after sitting out, Swiss meringue-style buttercream frosting<\/a> is less sweet but much more buttery and rich. It’s more sensitive to heat, so don’t let it sit in the heat for too long.<\/p>\n Stat this frosting by whisking together the room-temperature<\/a> egg whites, sugar and salt in a heatproof bowl. The bowl of your stand mixer<\/a> works perfectly here (and then you won’t need to do any transferring later).<\/p>\n Once combined, place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water\u2014keep it on medium heat. Then whisk the mixture constantly until the temperature reaches 160\u00baF. It should take about 10 minutes.<\/p>\n Next, remove the bowl from heat, and fit into the base of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Turn up the mixer to high, and beat until the mixture is fluffy and has cooled down to about 90\u00ba. This should take about 20 minutes. You can stop the mixer occasionally and check the temperature just to be sure.<\/p>\n Finally, it’s time to add in this frosting’s namesake: butter. Gradually beat in the butter, a few tablespoons at a time, until fully combined, beating on medium speed. Don’t rush this part! Let each addition blend before adding more butter.<\/p>\n Lastly, add in your vanilla extract<\/a>. Make sure you’re using the good stuff!<\/p>\n The result should be buttery, creamy and smooth. Try not to eat too much before you frost the cake!<\/p>\n And don’t forget: You can tint this frosting with food coloring to match whatever occasion you’re celebrating.<\/p>\n Cakes frosted with Swiss meringue buttercream can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, provided the cake isn’t layered with custard or fillings that need refrigeration. And bear in mind that room temp means no hotter than about 70\u00ba. This frosting can begin to melt when temps soar.<\/p>\n You can also stash this frosting in the fridge for up to one week. Just be sure to keep it covered so no fridge smells permeate into the delicate frosting.<\/p>\n Using Swiss meringue buttercream to frost cakes and cupcakes is no biggie. You can use our easy cake frosting technique<\/a> to make a perfect layer cake with just an offset spatula. You can also transfer this frosting into a piping bag to top off your best cupcake recipe<\/a>.<\/p>\n You sure can make this frosting ahead of time. Swiss meringue buttercream can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can even freeze this frosting for up to six months. Let the frosting thaw in the refrigerator before using.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Swiss meringue buttercream is a creamier, richer version of buttercream frosting, and you are going to fall so in love with it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7075,"featured_media":1533388,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[304032,304328,304288,305487,306194,303966,303887,306848,304347,304268,304072,324623,303883,307609],"categories-v2":[308623,308984,308481,259620,310796,312060,308495,308478,309603,308998,259483,308669,309177,308476,310587],"coauthors":[39610],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Buttercream-Frosting_EXPS_TOHVP25_8003_MF_04_17_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/peanut-butter-buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOHD24_-246114_DanielleMoore_3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/rich-chocolate-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/EXPS_FT24_14884_EC_080624_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Butter Pecan Cheesecake","post_link":"\/recipes\/butter-pecan-cheesecake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Butter-Pecan-Cheesecake_EXPS_TOHAM21_133406_E11_18_6b-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Meringue Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/chocolate-meringue-stars\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chocolate-Meringue-Cookies_EXPS_TOHcom25_7757_DR_01_08_07b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peanut Butter Chocolate Fondue","post_link":"\/recipes\/peanut-butter-chocolate-fondue\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Peanut-Butter-Chocolate-Fondue_EXPS_GBDBZ20_20551_B01_09_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Meringue Buttercream","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-meringue-buttercream\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Italian-Meringue-Buttercream_EXPS_THVP23_170018_MR_11_01_23_ItalianMeringueButtercream_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Best Vanilla Buttercream","post_link":"\/recipes\/best-vanilla-buttercream\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/0001\/01\/Best-Vanilla-Buttercream_EXPS_TOHAM20_245452_E11_13_19b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Swiss Meringue Shells","post_link":"\/recipes\/swiss-meringue-shells\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Swiss-Meringue-Shells_EXPS_TOHDJ22_10119_E08_03_6b.jpg"},{"post_title":"German Buttercream","post_link":"\/recipes\/german-buttercream\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/German-Buttercream_EXPS_FT20_256200_F_0716_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Rich Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/rich-buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps29520_TH153341B11_19_11b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Orange Buttercream Frosting","post_link":"\/recipes\/orange-buttercream-frosting\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"Meringue Kisses","post_link":"\/recipes\/meringue-kisses\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps7583_CC153599B01_09_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"French Buttercream","post_link":"\/recipes\/french-buttercream\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/French-Buttercream_EXPS_FT20_256293_F_0716_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chocolate Caramel Fondue","post_link":"\/recipes\/chocolate-caramel-fondue\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Chocolate-Caramel-Fondue_exps18494_SD142780D08_07_5bC_RMS-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Maple Cream Meringue Pie","post_link":"\/recipes\/maple-cream-meringue-pie\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Maple-Cream-Meringue-Pie_EXPS_TGBZ21_38669_E05_26_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Peanut Butter Meringue Pie","post_link":"\/recipes\/peanut-butter-meringue-pie\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Peanut-Butter-Meringue-Pie_exps135214_CW1996974B03_16_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cake with Buttercream Decorating 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Turn up the mixer to high, and beat until the mixture is fluffy and has cooled down to about 90\u00ba. This should take about 20 minutes. You can stop the mixer occasionally and check the temperature just to be sure.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TOHAM20_245452_E11_13_12b.jpg?fit=700,800"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add butter","text":"Finally, it's time to add in this frosting's namesake: butter. Gradually beat in the butter, a few tablespoons at a time, until fully combined, beating on medium speed. Don't rush this part! Let each addition blend before adding more butter. Lastly, add in your vanilla extract. Make sure you're using the good stuff! The result should be buttery, creamy and smooth. Try not to eat too much before you frost the cake!","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/TOHAM20_245452_E11_13_13b.jpg?fit=700,800"}],"recipeYield":"5 cups","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lisa Kaminski"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 114 calories","fatContent":"9g fat (6g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"24mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"39mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"8g carbohydrate (8g sugars","fiberContent":"0 fiber)","proteinContent":"1g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"256294","romance_copy_dek":"Swiss meringue buttercream is a creamier, richer version of buttercream frosting, and you are going to fall so in love with it!","enhanced_recipe_title":"Swiss Meringue Buttercream","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"6 large egg whites, room temperature","IngredientText":"6 large egg whites, room temperature"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 cups sugar","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 cups sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups unsalted butter, cubed","IngredientText":"2 cups unsalted butter, cubed"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon vanilla extract","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon vanilla extract"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Swiss-Meringue-Buttercream_EXPS_FT20_256294_F_0715_1.jpg","RecipeId":256294,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Swiss Meringue Buttercream Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Swiss-Meringue-Buttercream_EXPS_FT20_256294_F_0715_1.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Margaret","Lastname":"Knoebel","ContributorAttachmentFileName":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/Recipe\/testkitchenapproved.png","TimeCallout":"Prep: 30 min. + cooling","MinimumServingQuantity":40,"MaximumServingQuantity":40,"Yield":"5 cups.","DigitalTitle":"Swiss Meringue Buttercream","SubmittedTitle":"Swiss Meringue Buttercream","RecipeTypeId":1,"RecipeURL":"swiss-meringue-buttercream","AverageRating":0,"WebPublishedDate":"9\/16\/2020 6:45:17 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_FT20_256294_F_0715_1.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":20,"CookTimeInMinutes":10,"TotalTimeInMinutes":30,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsFieldEditorRecipe":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Swiss Meringue Buttercream","OriginalSourceProject":"Swiss Meringue Buttercream","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"AboutRecipeTitle":null,"AboutRecipe":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"Swiss meringue buttercream is rich, creamy and has a soft, silky texture, perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes. 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Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Ingredients for Swiss Meringue Buttercream<\/h2>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Beat until cooled<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Add butter<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Recipe Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Swiss Meringue Buttercream<\/h2>\n
Swiss Meringue Buttercream Tips<\/h2>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
How do you use Swiss meringue buttercream?<\/h3>\n
Can you make Swiss meringue buttercream in advance?<\/h3>\n