Just Made The Worst Frosting In The History Of Ever

Decorating By aldonza Updated 17 Jul 2017 , 10:48pm by kakeladi

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aldonza Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 2:38am
post #1 of 12

So I'm out of the "good stuff" and my cake supply store won't be open until Wednesday. I went to Aldi's and got their shortening and powdered sugar. Let's start with it won't whip up nice and fluffy...as in I was beating it for like a half hour and no difference. No matter how I try and adjust the flavor it is VILE! They are for a church picnic (outside that is why all shortening.) Should I just say screw it, throw a bunch of sprinkles on them and hope the kids eat them? I am at my wits end and it is 10:38 pm

11 replies
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thecanadian160 Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 3:20am
post #2 of 12

Do you have a Wal-mart near you? They sell Great Value brand shortening that might work. I have only mixed it with butter to make my buttercream- never used it exclusively so I don't know if it will be better than what you have. 

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youngj Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 3:31am
post #3 of 12

Have you tried making buttercream without shortening? butter, powder sugar, clear vanilla, and salt? 

I don't think any grocery store is going to have high ratio shortening..sorry dear

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aldonza Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 4:02am
post #4 of 12

I'm using straight shortening because the butter will melt in the heat.  I usually make my buttercream with both butter and shortening. I had no idea there would be that major of a difference ugh! Thanks and I will keep the great value brand in mind for just in case.

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Nana52 Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 11:39am
post #5 of 12

Yes,  some things from Aldi's are fine, and others not so fine.  Experience:  don't get their vanilla, it has an "off" odor.  I didn't even use for fear of ruing the batter - I threw it out.

The sugar is fine.  It's the best place to purchase eggs, milk and sour cream on the cheap, and those products are fine for baking.  I found that if I watch for sales, I can actually get sugar cheaper at the grocery store.  I've never purchased Aldi's flour - just kind of scared to do so.

I agree with thecanadian160 that Wal-mart's Great Value shortening is good for icing.  I use in in SMBC all the time.  And Wal-mart has the best prices on name-brand cake mixes.  

Anyone else want to chime in on what products are good/not good at Aldi's and Wal-mart?

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cutiger Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 1:11pm
post #6 of 12

I use Aldi's powdered sugar and regular sugar all the time.  I also use their vanilla and have had no problems.  I do use the Great Value shortening.  Be sure you get the one that does NOT say vegetable shortening.  They make 2 kinds and look the same except one is vegetable shortening.  I get everything at Aldi's except flour and shortening.  Make all my cakes from scratch so don't use the box mixes.  

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SandraSmiley Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 2:26pm
post #7 of 12

@aldonza ‍, my reply may be too late, but have you tried adding more flavoring?  I always add butter flavoring, in addition to vanilla, almond or whatever my other primary flavor, when making frosting with all shortening.  I use a LOT of flavoring!

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kakeladi Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 8:38pm
post #8 of 12

I don't remember if I have ever used Aldi's shortening but if I did it would have been 8-10 yrs ago so I can't say that is your problem as it probably has changed in that amount of time.  As one other poster mentioned increase your flavoring.  It does wonders! :)  2 Tablespoons is what I usually use - not sure how much more would be necessary but don't be afraid of using more to taste.

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kakeladi Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 8:40pm
post #9 of 12

Oh, also I don't work in a hot & humid area but using at least 1/2 cup butter should still hold up and make a better tasting icing. 

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inthekitchen2 Posted 16 Jul 2017 , 10:07pm
post #10 of 12

I don't do all shortening buttercream, but I do use Aldi's powdered sugar and shortening and have no problems.

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aldonza Posted 17 Jul 2017 , 12:02am
post #11 of 12

Thank you everyone. I was upping the flavoring and I used aldi vanilla...maybe that gave it the "off" flavor. I didn't want to chance butter in 90* heat. Everyone thought the cupcakes were great...especially the frosting. Go figure! I thought some miracle happened while I slept so I tasted one. Nope, the frosting fairies did not come in the middle of the night and fix my frosting. Still gross to me.mask

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kakeladi Posted 17 Jul 2017 , 10:48pm
post #12 of 12

It's good to know your cuppies were enjoyed:)  See, we are our worst critics.  But for future knowledge using just 1/2 cup butter would not have made a problem even in such hot weather.  I have delt w/that for years:) As you know, some 90% of my work was done in b'cream.

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