A classic frosting for a variety of desserts.

When making the frosting, add the butter slowly and dont rush this step.

It takes about 15 minutes to incorporate all of it.

Southern Living Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Credit:Iain Bagwell

Reduce heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer.

Whisk together egg whites, sugar, and salt in bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer.

Crumple a large piece of aluminum foil; shape into a ring about 2 inches high.

Place in simmering water in saucepan.

(The foil ring will prevent the mixer bowl from touching the water.)

Place mixer bowl on foil ring.

Transfer bowl to heavy-duty stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment.

Beat in vanilla and almond extracts.

Remove whisk attachment; attach paddle attachment.

Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula.

Beat frosting on low until very smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.

Use immediately, chill in an airtight container up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month.

(Before using, let chilled or frozen buttercream come to room temperature and beat on low speed.)