Vanilla Meringue Buttercream

Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Course: Dessert | Serves: 18 

Silky smooth meringue buttercream with vanilla or vanilla bean paste, or infused with other liqueur flavors. Inspired by Martha Stewart.

4 egg whites

¾ cup sugar

1 ½ cups butter, softened 

1 Tbsp vanilla (or up to ¼ cup flavored liqueur)

Whisk egg whites and sugar together over a double boiler ( or a metal bowl over a pot with a couple of inches of water in it) until the sugar has melted and the egg mixture is warm. Whip the egg mixture in a stand mixer on medium-high heat with the paddle attachment until the eggs lift to stiff peaks when the beater is raised. Slice the butter into tablespoons size pieces and add one at a time until all the butter has been added; whip until smooth and light. Add the vanilla or other flavoring and mix until smooth again.