Questions???water Or Milk?

Decorating By Princess3 Updated 10 Apr 2006 , 11:31pm by dtmc

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Princess3 Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 7:29pm
post #1 of 11

My instructor said its better to use water rather than milk in her buttercream icing because you have to refridgerate it with the milk and it last a couple of weeks opposed to water which does not have to be refridgerated and can last a few months. Also some people add water or milk to their cake mixes to. Can you please share with me what you prefer and what type of difference it makes in both? Thank YOu

10 replies
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RhondaK Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 7:41pm
post #2 of 11

I prefer milk in my cake mixes - much more moist with milk!

I prefer water in my icing for stability sake. I don't think it makes that much difference in the taste, and I like that my icing lasts a lot longer too.

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cashley Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 7:54pm
post #3 of 11

I use milk in my cakes because it is cooked and can sit and makes the cake moist. I use water in my buttercream icing so I don't have to refigerate my cake when it is done. Easier to leave covered on counter, I wouldn't want anyone getting sour milk icing.

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Princess3 Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 8:20pm
post #4 of 11

Great Info. Okay so once you decorate the cake it does not need to be refridgerted. Where do find your cake boxes. and with the left over icing if any, does it need to be refridgerated, or in air tight covering at room temp. How long does it last? I ask so many questions I know. I just dont want anyone getting sick or the cake to melt to pieces!!!!!

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ellepal Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 8:29pm
post #5 of 11

Actually, I read an article somewhere that if you put the 2TBS of milk into the 10X frosting, it will not spoil because the sugar prevents bacterial growth. I have always used the milk, and I never have to refrigerate my 1/2 butter and 1/2 crisco icing, although I usually do just to keep the cake cold.

I also always use milk or another liquid for my cakes because it enriches the crumb. To make a strawberry cake, I add Strawberry Dacquari mix. For orange, I use orange juice. For lemon, I do a lemon juice mixed with water. For coconut, I use coconut milk for the liquid, and the fat for the butter. It is so good!

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Lisa Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 9:05pm
post #6 of 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Princess3

My instructor said its better to use water rather than milk in her buttercream icing because you have to refridgerate it with the milk and it last a couple of weeks opposed to water which does not have to be refridgerated and can last a few months. Also some people add water or milk to their cake mixes to. Can you please share with me what you prefer and what type of difference it makes in both? Thank YOu




I prefer milk in my cakes because I think it does make for moister cake. I use water in my BC but I don't think it makes a difference whether you use milk or water. I've tried both and didn't notice a difference. American style BC (PS+shortening/butter) thinned with milk won't need to be refrigerated. The sugar acts as a preservative. I have read though that the chemicals in tap water can sometimes effect the coloring of your icing and milk should be used when making purples because it keeps it from going blue.

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pinkopossum Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 10:24pm
post #7 of 11

I use water in my buttercream unless I have a refrigerated filling then I might use milk in the icing - it's normally whatever I feel like doing at the time. I don't think there's much difference between the two.

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mommabuda Posted 8 Apr 2006 , 11:40pm
post #8 of 11

I use water in both my cakes and icing. I've never had a dry cake and not a complaint yet so I'll keep using it icon_smile.gif

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traci Posted 9 Apr 2006 , 2:49am
post #9 of 11

I only use half/half in my icing. I find that my icing cracks if I use water. I do not need to worry since I refrigerate ALL of my cakes. icon_smile.gif

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AgentCakeBaker Posted 9 Apr 2006 , 10:56pm
post #10 of 11

I use milk in both my cake batter and icing. I agree with Lisa. The sugar acts as a preservative. I have never refrigerated a cake that contains milk in the icing. If I make a cake the night before I just make sure it is in its sealed in its cake box. I haven't had any bad complaints about the icing or cake.

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dtmc Posted 10 Apr 2006 , 11:31pm
post #11 of 11

I use water in my buttercream and have not had a complaint either. I will continue to use so it doesn't have to be refrigerated and won't spoil. One less thing to think about!

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