Frosting - Chocolate Creamy CI

By mariannefeldman

Creamy Chocolate Frosting - in mag w/chocolate cupcakes w/ganache filling

Makes about 2 1/4 cups. Published May 1, 2010. From Cook's Illustrated.

See website for flavor variations: creamy malted milk choc, creamy vanilla, creamy peanut butter, creamy butterscotch

Cool the chocolate to between 85 and 100 degrees before adding it to the frosting. If the frosting seems too soft after adding the chocolate, chill it briefly in the refrigerator and then rewhip it until creamy. The frosting can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. When ready to frost, place frosting in a microwave-safe container and warm briefly on high power until just slightly softened, 5 to 10 seconds. Once warmed, stir until creamy.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (2 1/3 ounces) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• Pinch table salt
• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter , softened and cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
• 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate , melted and cooled (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Details

Adapted from cooksillustrated.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Combine sugar, egg whites, and salt in bowl of stand mixer; place bowl over pan of simmering water. Whisking gently but constantly, heat mixture until slightly thickened, foamy, and registers 150 degrees on instant-read thermometer, 2 to 3 minutes.

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2. Place bowl in stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment.
Beat mixture on medium speed until consistency of shaving cream and slightly cooled, 1 to 2 minutes. Add butter, 1 piece at a time, until smooth and creamy. (Frosting may look curdled after half of butter has been added; it will smooth with additional butter.)
Once all butter is added, add cooled melted chocolate and vanilla; mix until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds, scraping beater and sides of bowl with rubber spatula as necessary.

Step-by-Step

Keys to Meringue-Style Buttercream
Whereas uncooked frostings tend to be greasy and grainy, our Swiss meringue buttercream gets its satiny-smooth texture from whisking the egg whites and sugar in a double boiler, then whipping the mixture with softened butter.

1. Whisk egg white mixture until foamy and registers 150 degrees on instant-read thermometer

2. Beat mixture in stand mixer until slightly cooled, then slowly add softened butter.

3. Add cooled melted chocolate and vanilla, then whip until light and fluffy.