# French Buttercream

A silky, rich, custard-like frosting made with egg yolks and butter that pipes beautifully.

- Category: Dessert
- Difficulty: medium
- Diet: vegetarian
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- 5 whole egg yolk
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt (optional)

## Instructions

1. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until dissolved.
2. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil until it reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit (soft ball stage).
3. Separate the egg yolks and place them into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
4. Whisk the egg yolks until they are lighter in color and foamy.
5. Slowly drizzle the hot sugar syrup into the egg yolks while the mixer is running on medium-high.
6. Continue whisking the mixture until it reaches room temperature.
7. Add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition.
8. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if using.
9. Increase speed to medium-high and mix for 5 to 6 minutes until the buttercream is silky smooth.

## Equipment

- medium saucepan
- spoon
- stand mixer
- whisk attachment
- candy thermometer
- spatula

## Tips

- If the sugar mixture is heating up before you are ready, take it off the heat.
- If the sugar reaches the hard ball stage (beyond 240 degrees), you must start over.
- If the buttercream looks like cottage cheese because it is too cold, microwave the bowl for 20 seconds at half power and remix.
- If the buttercream is not setting because it is too hot, refrigerate for 5 minutes and remix.
- The buttercream can be flavored with a quarter teaspoon of almond extract, orange blossom water, or rose water instead of vanilla.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled.

## Source

- Original video: https://youtu.be/rBheeACVC9w?si=ls3mUMXwfwKCCza2
- Creator: Preppy Kitchen
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/87aa2303-6329-4241-88bb-1f53189a259f
- Extracted: 2026-11-01

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt