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Classic Orange Buttercream Frosting

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on August 20, 2009

Time

40 minutes

Yield

Makes about 4 cups

Classic Orange Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

4 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar pinch table salt 1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter (4 sticks), softened, each stick cut into quarters¾ teaspoon orange extract

Before You Begin

The whole eggs, whipped until airy, give this buttercream a light, satiny-smooth texture that melts on the tongue.

Instructions

  1. Combine eggs, sugar, and salt in bowl of standing mixer; place bowl over pan of simmering water. Whisking gently but constantly, heat mixture until thin and foamy and registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer.
  2. Beat egg mixture on medium-high speed with whisk attachment until light, airy, and cooled to room temperature, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add butter, one piece at a time. (After adding half the butter, buttercream may look curdled; it will smooth with additional butter.) Once all butter is added, add orange extract and increase speed to high and beat 1 minute until light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined. (Can be covered and refrigerated up to 5 days.)
Classic Orange Buttercream Frosting

Classic Orange Buttercream Frosting

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

40 minutes

Yield

Makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
pinch table salt
1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter (4 sticks), softened, each stick cut into quarters
¾ teaspoon orange extract

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
pinch table salt
1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter (4 sticks), softened, each stick cut into quarters
¾ teaspoon orange extract

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
pinch table salt
1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter (4 sticks), softened, each stick cut into quarters
¾ teaspoon orange extract

Why This Recipe Works

Whole eggs, whipped until airy, give our buttercream recipe a light, satiny-smooth texture that melts on the tongue.

Before You Begin

The whole eggs, whipped until airy, give this buttercream a light, satiny-smooth texture that melts on the tongue.

Instructions

  1. Combine eggs, sugar, and salt in bowl of standing mixer; place bowl over pan of simmering water. Whisking gently but constantly, heat mixture until thin and foamy and registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer.
  2. Beat egg mixture on medium-high speed with whisk attachment until light, airy, and cooled to room temperature, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and add butter, one piece at a time. (After adding half the butter, buttercream may look curdled; it will smooth with additional butter.) Once all butter is added, add orange extract and increase speed to high and beat 1 minute until light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined. (Can be covered and refrigerated up to 5 days.)

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