Im making a two tier slot machine inspired cake, the birthday boy loves chocolate, both tiers will be chocolate, i always use boxed cake (your thoughts). I plan to fill the cakes and coat them with butterceam (the butter & shortening recipie version) then it will be covered in fondant, do you think its overkill to use the buttercream for both? I just think there is soooo much chocolate, plus i dont want to mix any fruit filling or crazy stuff cuz i dont know who will have allergies? Plus i think this is the safest option just in case she wants to display the cake (how long can this be left out?). Any thoughts suggestions comments etc. are more than welcome!

Thanx for reading

I see no problem with using buttercream for the filling. I do it all the time. The only problem with displaying the cake would be if it were an outdoor affair - the heat might make the buttercream go soft. On the other hand, buttercream cakes last for days - no problem with the filling going bad.

A vanilla what, Mimi?

B'cream iced cakes filled w/b'cream are done all the time There is *nothing* wrong w/mixing some fruit jam into b'cream for a little flavor boost......uuummm raspberry! is so super good w/chocolate cake

Using a 'plain' vanilla b'cream is good too. Add a bit more vanilla (1/2 teaspoon per cup) into your b;cream and it will really perk up the taste buds.

It's up to the person ordering the cake to be aware of allergies. You should not be overly concerned. You offer/mention what you have available, they can always say NO because.....
If you never offer something different ('crazy'?) how will customers know you can do it?

I really love the suggestion about the rasberry jam and extra vanilla, that sounds yummy! thank you guys for making me feel better about using this, it really takes a load off!

Yes, I agree, buttercream alone can be yuk and very sickily and the addition of jam would be a winner. I love granche as I find the covering smoother plus it not too sweet which imo can spoil a cake. White choc granche is an option to.