1 cup powdered sugar use more for sweeter buttercream
1tspVanilla Extract
1tspVanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
CUSTARD
In a sauce pan whisk together milk (2cups), egg yolks (4) and sugar (3/4cup) and salt (1/8tsp). Pour about 1/2 of this mixture into a dish. Into it then add starch (3tbsp) and flour (3tbsp). Whisk well so there are no lumps. Pour flour/starch mixture into the remaining milk mixture into a sauce pan.
Cook on medium heat stirring constantly. Custard will gradually thicken. I find it's best to use a whisk. Once you see bubble to pop, reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Cover tightly with a plastic wrap and let cool to room temperature.
To speed up cooling you can use a cold water bath. Or if you plan on making buttercream next day you can refrigerate covered custard overnight.If refrigerating let custard come to room temperature before mixing with butter. I like to microwave it on high in 5 second intervals, stirring gently after each heating.
BLENDING CUSTARD AND BUTTER
Beat room temperature unsalted butter (2cups, 4sticks) for 15 seconds. Then add powdered sugar (1cup, or use more if you prefer sweeter buttercream) and beat on low until fully incorporated into the butter. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds.
Gradually add room temperature custard to butter, creaming well after each addition.Once fully blended, beat in Vanilla Extract and/or Vanilla Bean Paste.Beat on high for 10 seconds. German buttercream is ready.
Notes
German Buttercream StorageIt's okay to leave it at room temperature. It's a fully cooked buttercream. Leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days.Store in the fridge for up to a 10 days. Let it come to room temperature and remix till smooth.Freeze for up to 3 months. Let defrost, and remix before using.German Buttercream Uses
Filling for cream puff, cakes.
Piped swirls on cupcakes, cakes etc.
It pipes beautifully on cakes and cupcakes.
If needed you can also ice the cake on the outside with this buttercream. I've done this in the past though I find it a bit more elastic than Swiss Buttercream.
Can I color German Buttercream?Yes you can color this buttercream. I use gel food colors.