Silky Smooth Buttercream You’ll Want on Everything
JojoM
A rich, silky buttercream made with egg yolks, butter, and Italian meringue. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or as a versatile base for flavors.
Silky Smooth Buttercream You’ll Want on Everything ✨🧁
When it comes to cake decorating and filling pastries, nothing beats a silky buttercream frosting that glides like velvet and tastes rich without being overly sweet. This recipe combines the best of both worlds: a custard base made with egg yolks and sugar, enriched with butter, and lightened with a touch of Italian meringue. The result? A luscious, pipeable buttercream that holds shape beautifully and melts in your mouth. 💛
Why This Buttercream is Special
Unlike standard American buttercream, which can sometimes feel heavy or overly sugary, this version is refined and French-inspired. The egg yolk custard gives depth and smoothness, while the Italian meringue balances it with airiness. Together, they create the perfect balance—ideal for cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and entremets. 🎂
You’ll also love how versatile it is—vanilla, almond, citrus, coffee, or even floral extracts can be added to suit any dessert.
Tips for Perfect Results 📝
- ✅ Always cool the custard before adding butter for the smoothest texture.
- ✅ Use room temperature butter so it incorporates seamlessly.
- ✅ Customize with extracts, cocoa, or zest for endless flavor variations.
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Prepare the Custard
Warm the milk with sugar, then temper it into whisked yolks. Cook until the mixture coats the back of a spoon at 181°F (83°C). Strain and cool—this will be the rich base of your buttercream.
2. Whip the Buttercream
Beat softened butter until smooth, then blend in the cooled custard. Finally, fold in Italian meringue for that silky, airy finish. If the mixture seizes, gently warm the bowl over a bain-marie.
3. Flavor & Store
From vanilla extract to orange flower water or even coffee, this buttercream welcomes any twist. Use immediately for spreading and piping, or store in the fridge (3 days) or freezer (3 months).
Pairing Ideas 🍰
- Spread generously on layer cakes for a bakery-style finish.
- Pipe onto cupcakes with swirls of flavored buttercream.
- Fill macarons with flavored variations for an elegant treat.
- Use as a base for entremets or modern plated desserts.
This silky buttercream is more than just frosting—it’s a foundation for creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a wedding, or a simple weekend indulgence, it’s the finishing touch your desserts deserve. ✨
Silky Smooth Buttercream You’ll Want on Everything
JojoMA rich, silky buttercream made with egg yolks, butter, and Italian meringue. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or as a versatile base for flavors.
Chef's Tips
For extra smoothness, ensure the custard is cooled before adding butter.
Always bring butter to room temperature for easier mixing.
Add extracts, cocoa, or citrus zest to customize flavor.
Tools Used
Instant-read Thermometer
Fine-mesh Sieve
Stand Mixer
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Ingredients
Buttercream Base
Optional Flavorings
Instructions
Prepare Custard
- 1
Pour milk into a saucepan, whisk in half the sugar, and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves, then cool to 176°F (80°C).
- 2
Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and thick. Slowly add one-quarter of the hot milk while whisking.
- 3
Return mixture to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring in figure-eight motions until custard reaches 181°F (83°C) and coats a spoon.
- 4
Strain custard through a fine sieve into a bowl and whisk until cooled.
Make the Buttercream
- 1
In a clean mixer bowl, beat butter until smooth and softened.
- 2
Gradually add the cooled custard and beat until combined.
- 3
Mix in the Italian meringue until smooth. If too cold, gently warm the bowl in a bain-marie.
Flavor and Store
- 1
Incorporate extracts, cocoa, coffee, or zest if desired.
- 2
Use immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
Comments & Reviews
Anna
7/28/2025
So silky and smooth! Loved it on my birthday cake.
Marco
8/3/2025
A bit rich but super versatile—I added coffee extract and it was divine.
Sophie
8/12/2025
This buttercream is heavenly. Made macarons with it, and they disappeared fast!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 2 tbsp (30 g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
