I am new to this site and baking in general but am really enjoying reading all the posts here.

I made a new batch of cupcakes tonight and as I was browsing through the frosting recipes here I was wondering, what is the ingredient that determines if a buttercream frosting is a crusting buttercream or not?

Thanks for the info!
Stacey

I think it's the ratio of shortening to sugar. the more sugar the thicker. also, i heard that shortening is better for crusting. plus shortening will help with this hot and humid weather better. this is my recipe
1c shortening
1ts flavor
2tbs water
1lb confectioner's sugar
1tbs meringue powder
a pinch of salt

I would try Indydebie's recipe first, heard great things about it, then maybe this one.

But what if the recipe doesnt have shortening?

ty very much, thats exactly what I was looking for