1kg(2.2lb)powdered sugaror icing sugar or icing mixture
120ml(½cup)waterhot from the kettle
80ml(⅓cup)espressodouble shot, more or less to taste
¼teaspoonsalt
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the powdered sugar, hot water, espresso, and salt to a bowl and mix well until the powdered sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
Cut the butter into cubes. If it's cold and firm, microwave on 50% power in 30 second increments until soft to the touch but not melted.
Add the butter to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium for 10 minutes, scraping the bowl often.
Stir the dissolved sugar mixture well, it will have crusted on top. With the mixer running, add half the sugar mixture and mix for 1 minute, then add the second half.
The mixture will look curdled once it's all added, this is normal. Keep mixing.
Continue mixing for a further 10 minutes, 20 minutes total. Mix longer on a cold day or in a cold kitchen. The longer you mix the silkier it will be.
The buttercream is ready when smooth and stable, similar in texture to Swiss Meringue Buttercream.
NOTES
Use real butter, not margarine, for stability.
No heavy cream needed, this recipe works well without it. If you want extra stability, stream in 100ml heavy cream after the sugar mixture.
Swap the espresso for instant coffee dissolved in the hot water if you don't have a machine.
Use a stronger or milder pod, or more or less coffee, to adjust the flavor to taste.
Scales well, halve, quarter, or double as needed.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Will harden in the fridge but won't crust over.
Bring to room temperature and re-whip briefly before using.