I am trying out some LorAnn Oils on my buttercream to change up my cake flavors, and the other day I tested out Peanut Butter and Hazelnut. The Hazelnut, I thought, tasted terrible, though my mom and a couple others really seemed to like it. Anyone else think it was terrible that has tried it? Also, when I made the Peanut Butter, I ended up using 2 full drams just to get a hint of the peanut butter flavor into the buttercream. My buttercream recipe is similar to the Buttercream Dream recipe, only I use less milk. Why did it take so much? Is it normally that way? Also, I want to make Cherry buttercream, but have seen a few people say they don't care for the LorAnn Oils Cherry, thought about using the juice from maraschino cherries, substituted for some of the milk, is that ok to do? I've never actually substituted anything for the milk in my frosting!

FYI I already read the thread on LorAnn Oils(well...most of it..there's a TON in there...I couldn't take anymore LOL).

I have no experience using LorAnn oils but if you want a devine cherry flavor you might want to try Boyajian brand.

It is more expensive than the other brands but their flavorings are to die for.

I used the cherry flavor to flavor some fondant and decorated dark chocolate cookies. The recipient was so amazed and pleased with the flavor.

I personally loved it too!

I love to use Lorann oils to change up my BC. The Caramel flavor is a HUGE hit for me. So many people order it.
I have read here that some folks even use them in cake. That I have not tried yet. I remember reading that someone used Bubble Gum flavor in a kids cake and it turned out to be a huge hit, even with the adults. Not sure I am that brave! LOL

But, I too have found some flavors to be much stronger than others in the sense that I have to be very careful when adding new flavors and taste test as I go along. I always separate out a small bowl of icing to "try out" a new flavor. That way if its gross I have not wasted a ton of icing/ingredients.
I have found that the Orange Cream (YUM by the way) needs two drams when mixed with a 1/2 batch (2-3 qts) of icing.
When I fill my 5Qt Kitchen Aid, I generally use close to 2 drams of most flavors so that is what I base my "need" on when making a batch of flavored BC.

Thanks for the info! 1 batch of my buttercream gives me a little over 1/2 of my 5 qt kitchenaid mixing bowl full. So I guess I better just stock up on a bunch of the oils! FYI I don't know what this website is like, I have heard of it before but I found they have some of the lorann oils on sale for $1.18 a dram! Free shipping over $49. planetrx is the site, that's a great price! I paid $1.50 a bottle at my local cake supply.

I did forget to ask. I saw a few different opinions on whether or not the flavor gets stronger as it sits, and I don't know if it was just me but it seemed that after my peanut butter frosting sat a couple hours it got stronger in flavor. Can I just expect that will happen? Has that been your experience?

I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. Like with color, the more the flavor has a chance to "marry" the stronger it can get. Probalby won't happen with all flavors but may with some. It happened with my Bavarian Cream flavored SMBC. I acutually ended up adding some unflavored SMBC to bring it back down a bit.

When you are at your local cake supply ask them about buying in bulk...if they will discount it for you.

Mine will give me 10% off if I buy the whole box (12 per box).

It's funny that this topic came up, I just purchased several of the flavors in the oils, and believe it or no the only reason I decided to try it is that my local Walmarts had discounted $1 per (2) per bottle pack! Might want to check the discount isle at your walmarts and wilton sections just in case.

Infinitysky, where do you get the Boyajian brand?

The flavors I've tried from LorAnn are hit or miss with me. My all time favorite from them is the Almond and I use a scant 1/2 teaspoon for a full recipe of WASC. Cinnamon, spearmint, peppermint and clove are also awesome.
The very worst flavors I've tried are: red licorice, bavarian cream, black walnut and cheesecake.
On their website, I noticed that there is a line of 100% natural oil flavorings and am going to try those the next time I order....which may not be for a long time, the 4 oz size bottle of Almond REALLY REALLY goes a long way!

I've had good luck with lemon, raspberry, apple, butterscotch. The mint chocolate chip was disgusting.

I've used it in cakes but it tends to really affect the cakes shape (at least in my oven) so I am careful with it now.

Buttercream 1 dram for half of the KA bowl of buttercream is what I use but it's not always needed for stronger oils like the butterscotch.

I just made an order at LoRann's website, and I had almond on there but took it off because I just purchased a large bottle of an almond extract at the cake supply store. Now I wish I had kept it so I could try it! Almond is my most requested among my family, and they always suggest it to others when I do cakes for others. Does it have a different flavor from the regular almond extract? Hubby wanted me to try red licorice he's a nut for licorice, but good thing I said "Lets stick with these for now....." I'm really excited to try english toffee and pecan, they sound sooo yum. Thanks for all the opinions on the oils it's helpful for those of us who haven't tried them to know what those of you that have think, before we spend the money on them!

reason I decided to try it is that my local Walmarts had discounted $1 per (2) per bottle pack! Might want to check the discount isle at your walmarts and wilton sections just in case.

I have not seen Lorann oils in Walmart - not in Wilton section - where?

I like to use Watkins Hazelnut extract to flavor both a variation of WASC and buttercream. It always goes over big.

I don't like the cheesecake flavor, either. I almost tastes like it has coffee in it or something. It's such a shame; I'd really like to find a cream cheese flavoring for icing.

I have just done a cotton candy buttercream that was a huge hit!!! Tasted fantastic!

Thank you infinitsky.

Cakelover, have you been to Lynn's Cake & Candy in Fridley? It's about 2 miles north of 694 on 169. They have just about every flavor of loranns, and other flavorings. Also a full selection of Americolors. Well worth the drive. Lots of cake toys.

I have never tried Lorann's, but Olive Nation offers all natural extracts and the quality is fantastic. Customer service is great... can't say enough good about their products.