I decided to do a chocolate buttercream basketweave the other day before I went to work. So when I woke up the next evening and peeked at the cake all my hard work was slumped to the bottom of the cake. On one hand it was funny, but on the other not so much. I did this technique with plain white buttercream before and it didn't do this. Any ideas why this may have happened? I did store it in the fridge, but I did the same with the other and didn't have any problems at all. The cake still tastes good though

I feel your pain. The ONLY time I experienced decorative work sliding down the sides is when I accidentally used 0 transfat Crisco. I found out that was the cause of my problem from postings here in this website. The icing really performs better when a higher ratio shortening is used. I've been lucky enough to find lots of original formula @ my local Wal Mart and stocked up.

I had that problem this summer on a wedding cake I did (DEFINITELY not funny ). Anyway, it was about 105 degrees, and 75% humidity, and my icing just slid down the sides.

I ran to the computer, and asked for help in the forum, and discovered that meringue powder helps.

I think it might also have been the new Crisco.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

The meringue powder might be the cure. I completely forgot I used that in the white recipe and not this one, boo. Certainly wouldn't be funny if the cake were for someone other than me

Did you put a layer of buttercream underneath and if so, did you let it crust first? I had that happen to my Wilton cake because I let the layer of buttercream underneath crust over before I did the basketweave. I just don't think it wanted to stick to itself. Also, it can happen if your buttercream is too soft.

Either way, happy practicing!!