I have a lady that wants a birthday cake for her mom, the only problem is that she wants cream cheese icing. That is fine, but isn't it too soft to color and decorate with? Does anyone have a recipe that is not soft or any tips that will help? Thanks

I have come across this recipe, but have not tried it myself. Crusting Cream Cheese Icing http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2047-Crusting-Cream-Cheese-Icing.html

Thanks, I will try it and see what happens........I just hope I don't have a big mess.......

You can also ice the cake with the cream cheese icing, and decorate with buttercream.

The crusting cream cheese is pretty stiff. Add more sugar if you need it.

Hi Jenn123: I use cream cheese icing alot on my cakes, but always use a buttercream for the decorating. Actually it seems to pick up the flavors from the cream cheese and no one has ever questioned me on it. I add a little extra sugar to make the buttercream stand up in the heat, but it works out great.

I also add meringue powder to any icing recipe without it. I live in Louisiana and the humidity here is terrible. The meringue powder helps make it firmer.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I think I may use the cream cheese icing and decorate with butter cream. I have 2 baby shower cakes and a diaper cake to make for the same day..........thanks once again, you are all so helpful

I looked at the recipe and it calls for 3 1/2 pounds of powdered sugar. That is alot of sugar, I wonder if it is suppose to be cups. Please help

This is right. I just finished making some! MMMM delicious

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 pound cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract
3 1/2 pounds sifted confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Did you color it? I need to and that is my dilema

I don't see why it would be a problem to color it. A dark color like red or black might make it too wet. If you are worried, I think doing the decorations in buttercream would be fine. Just don't make the borders heavy on the sides.

ok, I should be fine, because my colors are pretty much pastels.............thanks a bunch