Does anyone use a different black dye than Wilton? I always avoid doing black on a cake because I think the Witlon black dye makes the frosting taste very bitter. Any ideas? My son wants a Darth Vader or Deathstar cake for his B-Day. Thanks.

Start with chocolate frosting/icing/fondant and use Wilton black dye, since that's what you have. You'll be amazed at how easily the icing gets black. HTH

Many people use Americolor. To make black more easily start with brown and then add the black. I'm always surprised by the amount needed, but with brown you'll get there a lot faster. It also darkens as it sits.

Americolor is a better black than Wilton. I also would start with chocolate frosting.

Americolor is the way to go.

Americolor Super Black and if you start with chocolate frosting.

The super red is great too. I buy both of those.

Another vote for starting with chocolate frosting. I had to do this with my last two cakes. I also used Hershey's special dark cocoa to make my buttercream; which is a bit darker than the regular cocoa. (I also use Americolor)

I am using lots of black as well and red. I bought the Americolor red and balck. Is it bitter? I can not use chocolate. The brown in a good Idea though.

Americolor all the way. Use the black and let it sit overnight - it will get a lot darker! I have never tired using the brown first then using black, but it might work. However, I always use black and let it sit also - remember that it will appear black to most people even though you might not think it is black enough!

Someone had a posting a while back that she accidentally turned her icing black. Others repeated it and said it worked great. Think it did have something to do with the Hershey's dark. I don't think she even used any black.... Anyone remember?

Never mind ....it was her MMF she turned black....