Jagged Edges On Buttercream Roses
Decorating By 4n5Teachr Updated 30 Jun 2010 , 2:11am by au_decorator_76
I am fairly new to cake decorating--very much a novice, here! I learned to make buttercream roses in a Wilton class, but my roses always turn out with very jagged, broken edges on the petals. (See picture, attached) I cannot figure out why and am hoping some of you experts can help! I think it must be something with the icing, but I haven't been able to fix it. [/img]
Thanks!
Your icing consistency may be too stiff or something is plugging your icing tip. Try thinning your icing just a tad bit.
Yes, they are very pretty, maybe just not the look you were going for, but there is nothing wrong with them.
There are two causes for it.
One: Not enough pressure while piping and turning your nail too fast. If you are not squeezing your bag hard enough and turning fast it will pull and stretch your icing.
Two: Your icing is too dry, which is not the same as too stiff. Roll a small bit of icing between your fingers. Then squish it between your first finger and your thumb. Your icing should feel tacky with maybe just a little bit sticking to your finger. If your icing doesn't feel sticky at all it is too dry. You can fix this by adding in about a tablespoon of crisco or a teaspoon of piping gel to a cup of stiff icing. I go by feel on this. Sometimes you may need a little more or less just depending on how dry your icing is.
To me the jagged edges add character. 
Great job on them!
I learned to make buttercream roses in a Wilton class, but my roses always turn out with very jagged, broken edges on the petals.
I'm surprised that your Wilton instructor couldn't have addressed this during the class.
If you are using the Wilton Class Buttercream recipe then use milk or half and half instead of water. The 0 trans fat shortnings remove the fat which gives you a creamier icing and smoother rose. By using the milk instead, you add back some of that fat and create a creamier icing.
Also, make sure you are weighing your powder sugar instead of measuring it. And use pure cane powdered sugar. There are lots of variables but those are the major reasons why you will get jagged petals on wilton roses.
Those are some pretty roses! I'd think they look intentional. I can understand your wanting to "do it right", but hey, it is a lovely effect and you can call yourself an artist of the Impressionist Period!
I've had this problem since day one and haven't been able to get any icing or tricks to work for me. Only time I had a pretty rose was with Royal Icing. I've just learned to love them like they are. LOL.
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