I've been making my buttercream from scratch up to this point, but I want to have some store-bought options in case I need some in a pinch. What are the best-tasting and easiest to smooth store-bought buttercream options?

I can only say do not buy Wilton. It is the most horrible thing ever. My daughter just took a kids class and they had us buy it and use and it was disgusting. My DD is a huge sweet eater and even she said it was terrible.

I know Michaels sells Duffs you could try that. I would just make a few batches of your scratch and save it in the fridge or freezer

Sam's isn't too bad and it is a crusting BC. You have to ask for it at the bakery.

Sams! I use it ALL the time! I just add more flavoring to it. It's easy to use, work with, it crusts well, and it comes in a big 28lb bucket which lasts a while

I had always looked at the buckets of icing they sell at my cake supply store, but never bought it until recently because of time constraints. I bought a 25 lb. bucket of Quality Bakery Products, Inc. ultra smooth white creme icing and it worked great. Not too sweet and everyone liked it. It crust really well also and held up nicely in hot/humid weather.

Honestly, how big of a pinch could it be to make you use store bought? By the time you go get it you could have a batch made.

A mediocre frosting will drag your whole cake down. I can't imagine doing all the work of baking a fabulous tasting cake, doing all work of decorating and have it taste 'commercial in the end.