Hello everyone.

I discovered my passion for cakes few months ago. I'm proudly Dominican and we usually use imbc to cover and decorate our cakes. My problem is that I don't know how to better its constancy for decoration. I do the decoration and the shapes don't last long. I tried adding more sugar but still it ends up  kind of melting down on itself (to say it in some way). 

I'm aware that many of you might not know much about imbc especially the Dominican one, but I guess that when it comes to bc's consistency for decoration its the same.

Thanks in advance. 

I use swiss meringue buttercream and the consistency is quite similar to IMBC. It's a hard buttercream to work with if you're not experienced. I like it for cupcakes and simple designs. I love the perfectly smooth finish it leaves on a cake. I am not a master at any kind of piping! 

I found a site that may help you! 

http://theartisancakeguild.wordpress.com/2012/08/12/how-to-decorate-cakes-with-italian-meringue-buttercream/

you may want to switch half of the butter in the recipe with vegetable shortening (hi-ratio would be best).  That would perhaps make it firmer and more heat tolerant. 

Please post the exact recipe you use, as there are many variations and there might be a ratio that is off. 

A[quote name="lorieleann" url="/t/764447/imbc-consistency#post_7452430"]you may want to switch half of the butter in the recipe with vegetable shortening (hi-ratio would be best).  That would perhaps make it firmer and more heat tolerant. 

Please post the exact recipe you use, as there are many variations and there might be a ratio that is off.  [/quote

8 egg whites 1 tbs meringue powder 3 c. Of sugar and 2 c. Water (for syrop) 1 tbs of lemon juice and vanilla.

That is a lot of sugar and water, typically you use something like 5 egg whites, 1 cup water, 1 pound butter and a total of 1.25 - 1.5 cups sugar.

Some people add more sugar, to cut the buttery flavour a bit more.

Can you post your full recipe/method? There are different steps that affect the consistency, not just the ingredients.

I've never had a problem with consistency. It isn't as easy to pipe as American buttercream, but it shouldn't be losing it's shape.

Unless it is actually melting, I know it gets pretty toasty where you are, if that's the case I would try the hi ratio idea.