Hey all, I am looking for a wonderful icing recipe that is not super sweet that my teeth with fall out I live in Florida and love Publix buttercream, but can't find a close recipe. I am looking for just a great icing recipe for a few cakes that I want to decorate. I want it to taste great and look great, without being too sweet or grainy. I am also looking for a moist cake recipe. I have tried recipezaar white almond sour cream cake, but it was very crumbly for me, and I don't know what I am doing wrong. The cake is either dry or too wet. The icing is too sweet or hard or doesnt taste right. I am in desperate need of help, before I throw in the towel Thanks!

Hi and Welcome to CC, mommy2kids.

Decoding CC acronyms:

http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-2926-.html

EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about making your 1st tiered cake:
(Should answer all your questions.)

http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-5958955-.html

Until you can master the WASC cake, I wouldn't try any scratch recipes... Your techniques need work - you're probably over or incorrectly mixing your batter.

If using a stand mixer use a low speed, if using a hand electric mixer use a medium speed - and only mix for the time specified in the recipe!

To remove clumps prior to mixing, sift all dry ingredients together and then add (previously mixed) wet ingredients. Trying to "mix" the lumps out will seriously overmix your batter.

Here are some handy cake troubleshooting charts.

Cake troubleshooting charts:

http://tinyurl.com/2p5bdu

http://tinyurl.com/32goqe

http://tinyurl.com/6c745g

Links to Wilton's updated cake making & decorating help:

http://www.wilton.com/cakes/making-cakes/

http://www.wilton.com/cakes/

Illustrated guide by indydebi on how to cut neat slices of tiered cake:

http://cateritsimple.com/_wsn/page10.html

HTH

P.S. When measuring your flour, DON'T drag your measuring cup through the flour and shake to level off!!!! Aerate the flour, and then gently spoon into a measuring cup, level with a knife scraped across top.

Here's a great site for learning to bake (How's & Why's):

www.joyofbaking.com