Italian meringue buttercream is excellent for cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods.

It is also easy to flavor or color, so it is adaptable to nearly any dessert icing need.

Italian meringue buttercream combines the light, airy quality ofmeringuewith the richness ofbuttercream.

Italian Meringue Buttercream

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Learn how to make Italian meringue buttercream.

It may be your new favorite frosting for all your baking needs.

Ingredients for Italian Meringue Buttercream

Only a few ingredients are needed to make this buttercream at home.

italian meringue buttercream ingredients

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

They include:

What Sets Italian Meringue Buttercream Apart From a Standard Icing?

What Does Italian Meringue Buttercream Taste Like?

It is an adaptable recipe that can be flavored with any extract or flavoring.

making italian meringue buttercream

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

(The mixture may separate slightly, but that’s normalkeep going and don’t give up!)

Can I Make an Italian Meringue Buttercream Without a Candy Thermometer?

Could I Add Different Flavors or Colors to the Buttercream?

adding vanilla to italian meringue buttercream

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Italian meringue buttercream lends itself well to different flavorings and extracts.

Should I Only Use This Buttercream for Cakes?

Italian meringue buttercream is perfect for any dessert that needs frosting.

italian meringue buttercream

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Avoid stacking anything on the icing and use a light wrap when storing desserts.

Can I Make Italian Meringue Buttercream Ahead of Time?

Italian meringue buttercream can be made in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

If you don’t plan on using the buttercream or have leftovers, it refrigerates and freezes very well.

If refrigerating, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Bring it too room temperature and re-whip it before using.

unsalted butter, at room temperature (454 grams)

1/2cup water (118 grams)

1 1/2tsp.

Bring to a boil on your stovetop.

Allow this sugar mixture to cook until the syrup reaches 240F.

Avoid the temptation to stir the sugar and water while it’s boiling.

This can lead to the sugar crystalizing, resulting in a gritty texture.

Add vanilla extract:

Add the vanilla extract, and blend until well combined.

Use immediately, or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator until needed.