I use the Wilton recipe for buttercream frosting, but can never get it perfectly smooth. When I get it close and then the cake sits it forms a crust that cracks if I try to move the cake.

Any tips? Any other recipes to try instead if it's my frosting?

I've been using this recipe for years!!! Love it!!!

Buttercream Frosting
1 c. milk
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond
2 2/3 c. shortening
4 lbs. of powdered sugar

Dissolve salt in milk by beating. Add shortening and 2 lbs of powdered sugar. Mix until mostly combined. Add the rest of the powdered sugar. You may need to add a little more milk to get to your consistency.

After it has set up...usually just a few minutes, I always do the Viva paper towel trick and it works great!!!! Customers love the frosting!!!! The salt actually helps cut down the sweetness!!!

What's the Viva towel trick? I never heard of that and how does it smooth your frosting?

For how to smooth your icing, I think the viva method and melvira method are in the article section.

It does take a lot of practice however you do it! But I. This case, with the cracking when you move the cake, it sounds like the problem is with your cake board not being thick enough, or a problem with supports. Possibly the cake itself is not strong enough for the weight of icing.
xx

brincess is ccorrect - if if it is cracking when you move it, it isn't the frosting, it is the board not being strong enough. I personally use 1/2" foamcore board -covered with a foodsafe product. You get the foamcore at Michaels or HobbyLobby, etc.

I agree, you need a stronger board. I use tiles, wood, mdf, foamcore... etc. Just make sure it's something that isn't going to flex. Also, if you use high ratio shortening in your icing it will be a little more elastic and less prone to cracking. But it can get expensive if you're baking for free.

Thanks for all the advice!

I increased the strength of my board on the last cake I made and tried the smoothing techniques suggested and my cake came out BEAUTIFUL!!! I am so happy with how "professional" it looks compared to my amateur look up until now.

You are all wonderful. Thanks for taking the time to reply to me.

I didn't have a high density roller at home, but I remember that I have a Pampered Chef pastry roller, so I highly suggest that to anyone who has one. It has a wide and a narrow roller, so it can do different sizes. My cake has NEVER looked that smooth!