Hi,I'm new here as a member but have been using this website for my learning experience.I have a question about buttercream,I'm about to embark upon making my first wedding cake and I wanted to use my favorite buttercream recipe that calls for only butter.I have noticed that people tend to use crisco or a combination of crisco/butter for their buttercream.
Can you guys tell me in your experience what are the pros and cons of using only butter?
I hate the taste of shortening and think most people do too.

I don't think you would have a taste problem with using a combination, and adding an almond flavoring........ I think the kind of icing that you are thinking of is ALL shortening...... it is cheaper to make, and many grocery outlets use it, but it coats my mouth, and I HATE it......

All butter buttercreams will melt and get softer faster, i use Indydebi's buttercream on here and it is so good all shortening but without the greasy taste.. HTHs!!!

I think it is very different if you use hi ratio shortening (instead of a supermarket brand) and you make a 1/2 shortening, 1/2 butter icing. I think that there are some pros to this, including ease of use, not needing to be refrigerated, and ability to greater withstand humidity. JMHO.

When not using IMBC, I use 1/2 butter 1/2 shortening in my buttercream. Many decorators here do. IMHO it gives me the best of both worlds; the shortening adds some stability and the butter makes it more flavorful and creamy. Personally, I don't like all shortening but you'd be surprised at how many people do .

I also use 1/2 butter and 1/2 sweetex for my buttercream. It tastes delicious and holds up well in heat and humidity. It also pipes beautifully. Also, I substitute sweetex for 1/4 of the butter in my Swiss Meringue Buttercream on humid days.

We ONLY use all-butter BC on our cakes, and yes it's harder to work with, but it is possible. However, we have yet to make one that needs to sit out in the sun, you'd probably need to use 1/2 and 1/2 for that.

i too only use real butter, i refuse to use shortening or artificial butter flavorings as most recipes call for, i tell all my customers this upfront, i have not had any issues with mine, it's a little more difficult when doing a lot of piping just because icing gets soft but a couple minutes in the fridge fixes it.