Get this recipe with exact measurements here: www.dimitrasdishes.com/recipes/european-style-buttercreamMakes enough buttercream to fill and frost an 8 inch three layer cake or 24 cupcakes1 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature1 cup confectioner's sugar2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon saltFor the Pastry Cream:2 cups whole milk4 tablespoons corn starch3/4 cup sugarpinch of salt4 large egg yolks, at room temperature1/4 cup heavy whipping cream1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extractBegin by making the pastry cream. It will be a major ingredient in the vanilla buttercream that will create a very creamy, rich, buttercream, much like French buttercream. The pastry cream can be made up to 2 days in advance.In a saucepan, bring milk and salt to a simmer over medium heat.In the meantime, combine the sugar, corn starch, cream and egg yolks in a large bowl and whisk together for a few minutes until thick and pale yellow.Slowly, pour the hot milk in the egg mixture one ladle full at a time while whisking. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly until thickened.Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Whisk well.Place the pastry cream into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to cool to room temperature.For a quick cool, fill a large mixing bowl with ice and place the bowl with the pastry cream over the ice. Mix with a spatula every 5 minutes. The pastry cream should be ready to use in 15 minutes.If the pastry cream was made a few days ahead and is very cold, either microwave it at 10 second intervals until it reaches room temperature, or place it in a warm water bath. This can be done by placing the bowl with the pastry cream in a larger bowl filled with warm water.It is crucial that the pastry cream and the butter at the same temperature in order for the buttercream to be ultra smooth.Also, when the pastry cream is made ahead of time and is refrigerated it will thicken and seem hard. Beat it in a tabletop mixer until smooth or by hand. If necessary, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and beat until smooth.Place the butter, salt, vanilla extract, and confectioners sugar in the bowl of a tabletop mixer. Beat until smooth and fluffy.Add the pastry cream to the butter mixture in 2-3 batches. Beat until, thick, creamy, and very smooth. About 3-5 minutes.This basic recipe can be used to make so many different flavor variations:Chocolate hazelnut buttercream: add 1/2 cup or more of your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread to the buttercream and beat to incorporate.Almond buttercream: Substitute 1 teaspoon almond extract for the vanilla extractCoffee buttercream: dilute 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules to 1-2 tablespoons water and add to buttercream. Beat to incorporateFruit flavored buttercream: Add 1/2 cup or more of your favorite fruit jam to the buttercream and beat well to incorporateChocolate buttercream: Add 12 ounces melted chocolate to the buttercream and beat well to incorporateThe options are endless but, one thin is for sure. We have been using this delicious recipe at our bakery for the past 10 years and everyone loves it. It is velvety smooth, creamy, and delicious.Enjoy!Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dimitrasdishesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimitras.dishes/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dimitrasdis0637/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimitrasDishesHere are links to some of my favorite cooking tools. The links take you to Amazon where I'm proud to be an affiliate partner :)My cutting board: http://amzn.to/2e2p8EDKitchen Aid Mixer: http://amzn.to/2dQXU0bFood Processor: http://amzn.to/2eXcvZdMicroplane: http://amzn.to/2eL2vToMadeleine Pan: http://amzn.to/2dQU1smCheesecake Pan: http://amzn.to/2eXaGeQVitamix Blender: http://amzn.to/2eXcvbHNonstick pan: http://amzn.to/2eL804tCast iron pan: http://amzn.to/2dQYfjsPastry Bag: http://amzn.to/2e2v0xDHalf sheet baking pans: http://amzn.to/2fcv7cDThanks for watching! I'd love to see your recreations of these dishes so please share pics with me on social media :)Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and spread the word so that we can make the world more delicious!
