COCONUT SWISS BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Swiss buttercream frosting has a bad rap.   Many home cooks are intimidated by its ultra-silky, smooth texture and buttery, creamy taste.  I know.  I was one of the intimidated.  Not anymore – I’m now the #1 fan of Swiss buttercream.  There is no frosting like it.  It just kind of melts in your mouth as you savor its amazing richness without the uber-sweetness of most frostings.  Surprisingly, it’s not hard to make, just more involved than a simple buttercream, because the Swiss version requires you to start the process by cooking egg whites with sugar.  Adding coconut flavor makes this frosting perfect for coconut cake or cupcakes, but it’s also a good complement for vanilla or chocolate cakes/cupcakes. 

Coconut Swiss Buttercream Frosting Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen Rating:  10 out of 10 Click for PRINTABLE PAGE

INGREDIENTS: 4 egg whites, room temperature 1 cup sugar pinch of salt (about 1/8 tsp.) 1 lb. unsalted butter, cut into 1 Tbsp. pcs., soft, not mushy, still waxy, not melting in hand 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 tsp. coconut extract 1/4 cup cream of coconut In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer placed over hot, simmering water, occasionally whisk egg whites, sugar and salt till sugar is dissolved completely and thermometer registers 120F, about 5-6 minutes.  (Transfer bowl to stand mixer with whisk attachment.  Beat at high speed 7-8 minutes, or till mixture doubles and looks like marshmallow cream with glossy peaks.  Check temperature.  It should be cooled to 80F.  (With mixer turned off, stick your finger in the middle to see if mixture has cooled enough so that butter won’t melt.)  Stop mixer and change whisk attachment to paddle attachment.  Using low speed, add butter, about 8 Tbsp. at a time, mixing for about 1 minute after each addition.  When all butter is added, gradually increase mixer speed to medium high and beat till smooth, light and fluffy.  (If mixture curdles after butter is added, do not panic, just keep beating till it comes back together and smoothes out. ) Stop the mixer.  Scrape the bowl sides and bottom.  Add vanilla and coconut extracts and cream of coconut and beat briefly (about 1 minute) on low speed,  till mixture is well combined, then increase mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional minute. Yield:  enough frosting to generously cover a 9” cake, including filling.  Leftover frosting may be stored in fridge for about 3 weeks, or in freezer for about 3 months.  Bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.