• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Peanut Blossom
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Book Club
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • HOLIDAYS
  • BOOK CLUB
  • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • HOLIDAYS
    • BOOK CLUB
    • COOKBOOKS
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Frosting

    Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

    Published: Mar 4, 2013 · Modified: Feb 22, 2023 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Share
    • Email Friend!
    Jump to Recipe - Pin Recipe

    Easy Swiss meringue buttercream frosting is perfect for cakes or cupcakes that need to sit out for a while at your party. Light and airy and not too sweet, this is a deceptively easy recipe for beginner bakers and can be flavored lots of different ways.

    A green frosted cupcake with a white polka dot wrapper.

    If you're looking for a frosting that can be used for a cake that will sit out for a while at your party, you should absolutely consider a Swiss meringue buttercream.

    This light and fluffy frosting is a much more delicate tasting alternative to traditional buttercream.

    It is also more stable for sitting out on a buffet table because there is no milk in the mix.

    My mom actually prefers this vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream to all other cake frostings because it isn't too sweet and doesn't feel as thick on each bite of her dessert.

    If you thought you didn't like birthday cake, chances are likely you just haven't tried the right frosting. This is likely going to be a huge hit for you.

    Jump to:
    • Why This is the Best Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Note: Freezing Egg Whites
    • Prepare the Double Boiler
    • Prepare the Egg Whites
    • Whisk the Meringue
    • Add the Butter
    • Flavor the Frosting
    • Make Ahead and Freezer Tips
    • Flavor Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why This is the Best Recipe

    I chose this easy Swiss meringue buttercream when I baked my popular 7-layer rainbow cake for my daughter's birthday.

    The pretty white vanilla frosting offset the stunning layers of colorful cake in every slice.

    It was also the perfect choice because:

    1. Room Temperature Ready: You can let the cake sit out for several hours and not worry about milk in the mix going sour.
    2. Light and Fluffy: The airy meringue base gives the frosting a delicate texture that still holds its shape when decorating.
    3. Not Too Sweet: If you're planning a super-sweet cake like a vanilla cake or even a funfetti, this frosting is a perfect pick because it will let the cake flavor shine.
    4. Easy to Use: The frosting holds its shape well and is perfect for decorating either a layer cake or batch of cupcakes.
    5. Freezer Friendly: You can make this frosting in advance and store it in the freezer. This makes your cake decorating day SO much easier!

    Ingredients

    The ingredients to make a homemade Swiss meringue buttercream frosting are on the counter.

    This delicious frosting is made with just a few high quality ingredients:

    • Egg Whites
    • Salted Butter
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Sugar

    That's it! Easy, right?

    Note: Freezing Egg Whites

    With egg prices rising, you don't want to let any bit of your eggs go to waste.

    I made this frosting after making making a batch of my favorite vanilla bean crème brûlée that uses just the yolks and I had the whites leftover.

    Then I froze the frosting for using on a birthday cake 2 months from now!

    You could also freeze the egg whites after making my homemade creme anglaise vanilla sauce and then make this frosting when you're ready.

    Either way, these recipes definitely go hand in hand!

    • A serving of creme brulee with fresh strawberries. A spoon has cracked through the sugar topping.
      Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée for Beginners
    • Creme anglaise, a rich custard sauce has been drizzled over a slice of chocolate flourless torte. A fork is scooping a bite.
      Creme Anglaise Vanilla Sauce
    • The finished lemon meringue tart is on a cake plate with a ceramic lemon decoration next to it.
      Lemon Meringue Tart

    Prepare the Double Boiler

    The only fancy part about this recipe is that you'll need to use a double boiler to cook the egg whites before whipping the meringue.

    You don't need to buy another one-use cooking tool, you can easily make a DIY double boiler using things you have right in your kitchen.

    I use a small saucepan filled with water and then set a larger metal mixing bowl on top for a homemade double boiler:

    A double boiler has been made out of a regular kitchen saucepan and mixing bowl.

    Prepare the Egg Whites

    First, whisk the egg whites and sugar together in the mixing bowl you plan to place on top of your homemade double boiler.

    The egg whites and sugar are in the bowl for the double boiler.

    Then add a candy thermometer to the bowl so you can watch the temperature.

    Cook the egg whites, while whisking gently the entire time, over medium-high heat until they reach 160°F.

    The double boiler has a candy thermometer so the egg whites can be whisked to 160°F.

    If the water in your double boiler gets too vigorous, turn the heat down to medium. You just need it to be hot enough to continue to cook the egg whites and bring them up to temp.

    Whisk the Meringue

    Once your egg whites have reached 160°F, pull them from the double boiler and add them to your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

    Whisk them for 8 - 9 minutes or until they have cooled down to room temperature and formed a glossy white meringue with stiff peaks.

    The egg whites are now being whisked in a mixer.

    If you've never made a homemade meringue before, you'll know it is ready when the egg whites are thick, glossy, bright white, and a peak forms and stays in place when you pull the whisk up out of it.

    It will look a lot like this:

    The meringue is now white and glossy, a stiff peak has been pulled to show texture.

    Add the Butter

    Now that you have your meringue prepared, it is time to finish the buttercream.

    Add the softened butter to the mixing bowl, just 2 tablespoons at a time, with the whisk attachment running at medium speed.

    Continue to whisk and add butter until it is all incorporated.

    If your buttercream starts to look curdled, just keep whipping and it will smooth out.

    Softened butter is added to the meringue in a chunk of 2 tablespoons at one time.

    Flavor the Frosting

    For the vanilla Swiss Meringue buttercream, all you need to do is add a touch of vanilla extract.

    If you wanted to be extra fancy, you could add a tablespoon of Grand Marnier to mimic the flavor of my delicious crème brûlée.

    The frosting is clinging to the mixer whisk.

    Make Ahead and Freezer Tips

    Even though I didn't need frosting right when I made this, I had my egg whites ready to go.

    Both my girls have birthdays coming in a few months, so I saved myself some time and made the frosting knowing I could pop it in the freezer and save it for later.

    Simply find a freezer-safe airtight container that is big enough, smooth out the frosting inside, and seal the lid. Label and freeze until you're ready to decorate.

    Thaw the frosting in the fridge overnight and then let it come to room temperature on the counter before decorating.

    You can tint this with food gel when you first make it before freezing or just when you plan to use it after thawing.

    The Swiss meringue buttercream frosting has been smoothed into a freezer-safe container for storage.

    Flavor Variations

    I love starting with a basic vanilla frosting recipe that you can then add some fun flavor swirls to mix it up.

    This delicious frosting could be turned into any of these easy variations: 

    • Lemon Swiss Meringue Buttercream: Mix ¼ cup lemon curd into the finished frosting. 
    • Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream: Mix ¼ cup strawberry jam into the finished frosting.
    • Caramel Swiss Buttercream: Mix in ¼ cup salted caramel sauce into the finished frosting.
    • Peanut Butter Swiss Meringue Buttercream: Stir ½ cup creamy peanut butter into the finished frosting.
    • Raspberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream: Mix ¼ cup raspberry preserves into the finished frosting.
    • Blackberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream: Mix ¼ cup blackberry jam into the finished frosting.
    • A piece of lemon pie with lemon curd filling.
      Make-Ahead Lemon Curd
    • A mason jar filled with homemade caramel sauce with a spoon.
      Salted Caramel Sauce
    • A mason jar filled with homemade strawberry freezer jam has a green plaid spoon sticking out of the top and sits next to a bowl of fresh strawberries.
      No-Cook Strawberry Freezer Jam
    • A mason jar with blackberry freezer jam and a spoon. A split biscuit topped with jam sits in the back.
      Blackberry Freezer Jam {No-Cook, No Corn Syrup!}

    Serving Suggestions

    The Swiss meringue buttercream has been used on a batch of cupcakes with hot pink flower toppers.

    This Swiss meringue buttercream is a perfect choice for birthday party cupcakes or layer cakes.

    When decorating treats for kids, I tend to go easy on the quantity of frosting because my girls definitely prefer a higher cake to frosting ratio.

    That's the beauty of making a homemade birthday cake, though. You can use as much or as little as your birthday person loves!

    • A slice of rainbow cake shows the 6 layers of colors next to a scoop of ice cream.
      How to Bake a Rainbow Layer Cake
    • A pink birthday cake with sprinkles is on a cake stand with a butterfly.
      How to Bake a Homemade Birthday Cake
    • A photo collage shows several easy birthday cakes for kids.
      6 Incredibly Easy Ways to Decorate a Cake

    📖 Recipe

    A green frosted cupcake with a white polka dot wrapper.

    Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

    5 from 1 vote
    This light and not too sweet buttercream frosting is perfect for your favorite layered cake or cupcakes.
    TOTAL TIME 15 minutes
    PREP TIME 10 minutes
    COOK TIME 5 minutes
    YIELD 5 cups
    PIN RECIPE FOR LATER PRINT RECIPE NOW

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 large egg whites
    • 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar
    • Pinch of salt
    • 1 lb (4 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Combine egg whites, sugar, and salt into a double boiler. I use a metal mixing bowl set over a simmering pot of water. Insert a candy thermometer and whisk until the mixture reaches 160°F and the sugar has dissolved.
    • Pour the mixture into the bowl of your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high until stiff peaks form and the mixture has cooled to room temperature. About 8 minutes or so.
    • Reduce your speed to medium and add the butter in 2 tablespoon increments. Once each 2 tablespoon addition has been incorporated, add the next. Continue to beat on medium-high until the frosting is thick and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. Some have complained about it looking curdled, if you just continue to whisk it, it will come together eventually. I have not yet had this problem.
    • Stir in the vanilla extract until just incorporated. Tint with gel icing to reach the color you desire.
    • The buttercream will keep at room temperature if you are using it the same day. If you are making it ahead of time, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or the freezer for 1 month. Before using, bring to room temperature and use your mixer with the paddle attachment to beat on low speed until smooth again.
    COURSEFrosting
    CUISINEAmerican
    AUTHORTiffany Dahle

    Save This Recipe to Your Recipe Box

    Find this delicious recipe next time you visit by saving it to your very own recipe box on my site. All your favorites stored in one easy place!

    SAVE THIS RECIPESaved!

    More Frosting Recipes

    • A platter of green Christmas tree sugar cookies have been decorated with royal icing in simple patterns.
      Easy Royal Icing Recipe
    • Two Heart Cookies with Blue Frosting are decorated with sprinkles on half of the cookie.
      Easy Frosting Recipes for Sugar Cookies
    • Cupcakes topped with a swirl of chocolate cream cheese frosting sit on a baker's rack next to a piping bag filled with frosting.
      Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Vanilla cupcakes have been topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and sit on a cake plate. There's a frosting piping bag on the counter in front.
      Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Reader Interactions

    Trackbacks

    1. This adorable Winnie the Pooh cake will delight your Disney fan says:
      February 1, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      […] I made a single batch of this Swiss meringue buttercream but you could use whatever white frosting you […]

      Reply
    2. Turning 10 with a pink flamingo tropical party says:
      January 27, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      […] Buttercream frosting tinted blue […]

      Reply
    3. - 10 Ways to Celebrate Spring — Regardless of the Temperature Outside says:
      March 8, 2015 at 8:11 pm

      […] how to make tissue paper flowers for these adorable cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream […]

      Reply
    4. Perfectly princessy playdate: Little Pea’s #DisneySide » Peanut Blossom says:
      November 11, 2014 at 8:49 am

      […] a box mix for the cupcakes but the frosting is absolutely worth doing from scratch! You can find my favorite recipe for it here and an even easier version […]

      Reply
    5. Sweet & Springy! Adorable Garden-Inspired Easter Ideas for Kids - Melissa & Doug Blog says:
      March 4, 2013 at 11:10 am

      [...] garden themed cupcakes to match the baskets. I paired a simple box cupcake mix with an over the top swiss meringue buttercream frosting. If you’re intimidated to try a full cake from scratch, this is the perfect introduction. It [...]

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for moms.

    More about me →

    What's Trending Now

    • A photo collage shows the variety of recipes that can be made in a bread maker.
      50 Best Bread Machine Recipes
    • A blue baking dish filled with mac and cheese with bread crumb topping. A serving spoon has removed a portion to show the creamy elbow noodles.
      Make Ahead Mac and Cheese
    • An airfryer basket has 7 seasoned chicken tenderloins golden brown and cooked.
      Healthy Chicken Tenderloins in the Air Fryer
    • Two salmon filets are surrounded by fresh green beans in an air fryer basket.
      How to Cook Salmon in Air Fryer

    Popular

    • A freezer-friendly metal pan holds an 8x8-inch apple crisp with crumble topping.
      Freezer Friendly Apple Crisp
    • A stack of the best books for book club in 2023
      Best Book Club Picks 2023
    • A taco salad made with mini frozen tacos.
      10-minute Trader Joe's Meals
    • A young kid's hand is holding a homemade pizza lunchable.
      30 School Lunch Ideas for Kids
    • A collage of easy dinners for busy nights.
      30 Quick Dinners for Busy Nights
    • A photo collages shows several easy dinner ideas kids could make.
      Easy Dinner Ideas for Yo-Yo Nights {You're On Your Own!}
    • A meal train dinner kit featuring supplies for tacos sits in an aluminum tray for delivery.
      30 Clever Meal Train Ideas with Recipes
    • Harry Potter themed snacks are in a platter with a witch hat sitting next to an open copy of a Harry Potter book.
      21 Harry Potter Snacks for Movie Night

    Footer

    As Seen On

    The Taste of Home Logo
    The Pioneer Woman Logo
    The Country Living Logo
    The Buzzfeed logo
    The Good Housekeeping Logo

    About

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Contact
    Privacy Policy
    Disclaimer

    Favorites

    Bread Recipes
    Soup Recipes
    Quick Dinner Recipes
    Harry Potter Fan Club
    Reading with Kids

    Holidays

    Easter Recipes
    4th of July Recipes
    Catholic Celebrations
    Thanksgiving Recipes
    Christmas Recipes

    Recipes

    Appetizers
    Dinners
    Salads
    Side Dishes
    Desserts
    Brunch
    Homemade Pantry

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2023