Those of us who are into cake decorating, think of the beautiful icing designs when we think of cake. Icing is the finishing touch on cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. There are several different types of icing used in cake decorating.

Buttercream Icing: Buttercream is the icing that is used the most in cake decorating. This is the same type of frosting that we can buy readymade in the grocery store.

Foam Icing: This is a meringue and is used on lemon pie or Baked Alaska. This frosting is made of egg whites beaten into stiff peaks. It is possible to add flavoring and color to the meringue.

Fondant: This icing is very popular with those who decorate wedding cakes, and cakes for very special occasions.

What other Frosting do you all use for your cakes, please do share it?

I use Italian Meringue Buttercream that I do not feel is any where close to what you can buy readymade from the grocery store.
Royal Icing: Powdered sugar mixed with egg whites (meringue powder) to make a frosting that hardens considerably.
Chocolate ganache: Dark Chocolate mixed with cream to give a smooth, spreadable texture.

Buttercream made with 100% butter.

Paul

I also use 100% butter buttercream. I'm new to cake decorating so I haven't branched out much yet.

Sweet_Guys since you use all butter, are you able to get your cakes perfectly smooth? Its been a challenge for me.

bakery_chick what cakes are good iced using Italian Meringue Buttercream. I've never tried this.

I use "butter"cream that is all crisco or half crisco and half butter.

I use Marshmallow Fondant to cover my cakes. I also use fondant and gumpaste for decorations and also royal icing.

My "basic" icing is White Chocolate Italian Meringue Buttercream.

IMBC (all butter mousseline), Ganache, white chocolate cream cheese frosting, fondant (MFF). Occasionally I use royal icing.

I've always wanted to try Indydebi's bc because it's the best tasting shortening based I've ever encountered but I haven't had a chance to use it yet.

After we ice a cake, we refrigerate it for a while and then use the Viva paper towel method to get it smooth.

Paul

As of now I am using buttercream (50% butter, 50% shortening, and 10X sugar), chocolate ganache (both white and dark), and fondant. I think I am going to convert to either IMBC or SMBC instead of the butter, shortening, and 10X sugar buttercream. Someone made a cake with it at work and it was quite tasty. I have to get in the lab (kitchen) and do testing with it. I made it years ago when I was in high school but haven't made it since . Hopefully, it will be like jumping back on a bike.

Thanks Sweet_Guys there is hope, plus I need more practice.

Lita829 I've never used or tasted IMBC or SMBC, do these taste like meringue off pie? DIdn't know if these icings would work on all cake in place of buttercream or if they were best for only certain kinds of cakes. Also I guess these aren't stable for any kind of piping?

Quick question, will the 50% butter/50% shortening crust and hold up well like 100% shortening, esp in summer? I've been wanting to try, esp with the weather getting cooler!

Vanilla SMBC is just plain SMBC, in my definition. Just vanilla added, and nothing else. Sometimes, I don't add any flavor whatsoever. Yum!

Jamie do use one of the SMBC recipes off here, like Sinful Swiss Meringue Buttercream? Wasn't sure which one to try.

I use The Well Dressed Cake recipe, it's in here and it is fab!

There's a sticky in here somewhere that Jeanne (recipe is hers) posted as well. Walks you through making it....trying to search Google for it.

HELP!

I also LOVE my IMBC recipe...it is Warren Brown's "cakelove" recipe...but I have a problem! I can't figure out if it can stay room temp a few days or if it must be kept refridgerated..I hate the taste of cold cake.

Does anyone have the end-all, be-all answer for this? I can't seem to get a straight answer anywhere!

I wouldn't leave it out for days. I personally, at home leave them out for a day, but I wouldn't advise a client to. I have a cast iron stomach though.

It's so strange, how answers have varied..in Confetti Cakes, she has a SMBC that says can be kept at room temp for 3 days..which would be heaven but can it be true?

I've left my cake out for 3 days and I use IMBC. I've also made SMBC and have left out for 3 days. I don't know if it can go past 3 days or not, as I toss EVERY food item out after 3 days.

SMBC or IMBC pipes great! The difference you will see when working with them is that you have to be quick. The heat from your hands will soften the icing quicker than using all shortening or 50/50 shortening/butter. If you notice it getting too soft, you can pop the bag in the fridge and let it firm up.

I LOVE them!!

I like SMBC, often with 70% butter, 30% sweetex. Pipes great, holds up very well, smooths really well, takes flavors nicely, great under fondant. I also like that it isn't so sweet and more buttery, but some people prefer a sweeter icing, then I use a powdered sugar variety. Kids seem to prefer the PS kind, adults seem to like the SMBC better.

I love IndyDebi's buttercream--it is the best crusting recipe I have found--the taste is light and creamy; it takes different flavorings so well! I also use Toba Garrett's chocolate buttercream (the only chocolate BC I make)--a great rich chocolate flavor even without the chocolate liqueur. I absolutely love Toba's French Vanilla buttercream, which IMO, is similar to a meringue buttercream but you make a custard base instead of using eggwhites.

I used IndyDebi's buttercream before, but have decided to use Sugarshack's BC recipe for my next upcoming cake.

I have also used MMF before, but will switch to Satin Ice for my next cake.

My next cake will be quite a series of 'firsts'.

Thank you Jamie, I found it. Definitely will give it a try!

I absolutely love Decorator's Cream Cheese Frosting from this site. It crusts beautifully and it's slap-your-momma good!
Anyone have a favorite chocolate buttercream that is pretty dark? I'd love to find one-- preferably one that will crust. I'm a VIVA girl!