Vanilla buttercream

1 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
⅔ cup Sugar
4 larges Egg yolks -- at room temperature
1 tablespoon Water
1 cup Unsalted butter -- at room temperature
1½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

Directions

Cut butter into tablespoon-sized pieces. Set aside. In a medium-sized metal bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks and water. Set bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water. Whisk constantly until mixture registers 170~F on a candy thermometer, about 4 minutes.

Remove bowl from over the water. Using an electric mixer set on high speed, beat egg mixture until cool and thick, about 5 minutes.

Gradually add butter, about 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract. If buttercream appears broken or lumpy, set bowl back over simmering water for a few seconds, then beat again until smooth.

To store, cover and refirgerate for up to 2 days. Before using, let stand at room temperature until softened. If necessary, rewarm over a saucepan of simmering water for a few seconds, then beat until smooth. Makes about 2⅓ cups. Variations: Coconut flavor: Omit water and whisk in 3 tablespoons canned sweetened cream of coconut with the sugar and egg yolks. Then add 1 teaspoon imitation coconut extract with the vanilla extract.

Mix ½ cup toasted sweetened shredded coconut into the finished buttercream.

Coffee flavor: Stir in 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder when the cooked egg mixture is removed from the heat, then beat as directed.

Orange flavor: Add 1 tablespoon grated orange zest with the vanilla extract.

Vanilla bean flavor: Cut 1 vanilla bean in half lengthwise and, using the tip of a sharp knife, scrape the seeds from the bean into the finished buttercream; beat in the seeds to distribute evenly.

From Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library Typed for you by Marjorie Scofield 6/23/95

Recipe By : From Cakes, Cupcakes, Cheesecakes From: Marjorie Scofield Date: 06-30-95 (23:08) (18) (E)Recipes

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