I just received a brand new Cherry Red Kitchen Aid for Easter from my DH. I'm so excited that I have this to use now instead of a hand mixer. My question is...

#1) How many batches of Buttercream can you make in a 4.5 quart mixer bowl? Will that hold 2 batches or just one at a time?

#2) How many batches of butter cream do you need to completely cover and decorate a 6,9,12 (4 inch rounds) tiered cake. I'm making my moms birthday cake and we're expecting about 70 people (It's her 60th). I figure 3.5 or 4. Does that sound right?

TIA!

Congratulations.

How many batches your KA will hold depends on the yield of the recipe/s you use.

Here are all four of Wilton's cake preparation and serving charts:

http://www.wilton.com/cake/cakeprep/baking/times/index.cfm

To roughly determine how much b/c you'll need for your cakes look at the far right side of the charts.

It appears you would need at least 13-1/2 cups of frosting.

CakemanOH's (basic) brite white frosting makes 8 cups per batch:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2375-Brite-White-Buttercream-Icing.html

HTH

I can make a double batch of Wilton's buttercream recipe in my 4 1/2 quart KA. I'm saving for a 6 quart. Sometimes the 4 1/2 just isn't big enough and slops stuff all over the counter (I just hate it when that happens!).

I have made up to 3 batches in my mixer, it's a Heavy Duty one, I think it's 6qt. Have Fun!

i just wanna say congrats on getting a KA! you're on the list of people i envy now LOL enjoy it!

Welcome to the KA Klub...wishing you both many fun years together! Cheers

I can make 2 batches of CakemanOH's (basic) brite white frosting in my 4.5 kitchen aid.

HTH

I make FOUR batches of a recipe equivalent to wilton's in my 4.5 quart KA. check out the thread called "sugarshack's buttercream tips" or something like that...she talks about how you want to completely fill your mixer, over the top of the paddle, to eliminate air bubbles, and even though her recipe fills a 5 quart (i think) there are posts on that thread from people who've adapted it for a 4.5 quart. but basically i'm using 4 cups of shortening + 4 pounds of powdered sugar, which is equivalent to 4 of wilton's recipe (1 cup shortening/butter + 1 pound PS). plus however much liquid/flavoring you need to add to that (i never measure, just eyeball it ).

now four batches definitely fills it to the brim and can make a mess. i'm planning to get a pouring shield since my mixer (just got it for christmas) didn't come with one, i think that'll help. right now i'm usually standing there with a towel wrapped around the top until the powdered sugar is incorporated and quits trying to jump over the sides of the bowl. but it's worth it!! once i started filling it all the way up i'm getting the smoothest and most perfect buttercream ever. a billion times better than i ever got with a hand mixer, that's for sure. so congrats on the new acquisition. you're going to love it!

Congrats to you!!! I know exactly how you feel I purchased mine off ebay (only $94. including shipping)for a Christmas present for...MEEEE!!! An absolutley love it; it makes all the difference in the world. Enjoy!!!

you got yours off ebay? now you're on my list too! i cannot afford it!!!!

I made Sugar Shack's recipe also and it fills it to the brim. I have the shield and it definitely helps. Think I'll use the shield AND a towel next time.

I use Sugar Shacks' recipe as noted on the flyleaf of her DVD...subtracting 1 c shortening and 1 c Pwd sugar makes it fit my 4. 5 qt KA exactly as she describes...over the paddle so as to incorp as little air as possible.

I have a pouring shield too...it helps, but I still need a damp cloth for clean up!

cupcakeshoppe-look around your house and sell some stuff you don't want until you get alittle money in your paypal and then start lookin around for a mixer. Its easier then you would think

Thanks everyone. I will be using the High Humidity Buttercream recipe I got about this time last year from on here. My mom loves it. It's alot like Sugar Shacks but it has some other stuff in it. Maybe I'll go look up Sugar Shacks again and go from there. Thanks again!