Buttercream is wonderfully versatile, and many kinds of flavorings can be added. This recipe is for strawberry IMBC, but strawberries can be omitted or replaced.
INGREDIENTS
6 ¼ ounces egg whites
7 ounces sugar
¼ cup water
Pinch of salt
1 pound of unsalted fine quality butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed
DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a soft boil of 245° F. While your sugar is cooking, in a separate mixing bowl, lightly whisk egg whites and salt until soft peaks form (a stand mixer is ideal, but a hand mixer will work).
Once sugar syrup has reached temperature, crank mixer up on high and slowly pour the sugar syrup into eggs. Allow meringue to come to stiff peaks, and make sure bowl is cool to touch. This may take 10 minutes or more.
Meringue must be stiff enough to stay put when scooped to the side of the bowl. If it is at all runny, keep mixing. Change to a paddle attachment and add butter. (If your butter is firm enough to pick up between your fingers, it is too hard. Leave it out to soften overnight for best results.) Mix on the lowest setting. It will look curdled and soupy. Do not mix on high. This step can take up to 15 minutes.
When your buttercream is fluffy, light and smooth, it is done. Add pureed strawberries. Your frosting may appear curdled or lumpy at first, but keep mixing until smooth again, approximately 7 minutes.
I am going to try this out! Sounds DELICIOUS!!!!!
Er, correction: When sugar is COOKING. Not “cooling”. Sorry!
Sounds so yummy! Going to try this one soon!
Does this need refrigeration for say a fondant covered cake?
This frosting does not require refrigeration. You can leave at room temp for several days. The only thing you need to worry about is the frosting drying out, but will be safe to eat.
Jackie, you say this frosting can be left our of refrigerator for several days, but it contains butter. Doesn’t it go bad if I is not refrigerated?
Except for very warm climates (say August), butter is perfectly safe left on the counter.
Jackie,since the strawberries are fresh and pureed,what is the shelf life if the cake is kept out .
This sounds so delicious can’t wait to try it, yum!
Sounds amazing, definitely going to try this one!!!