Getting Started
Step 1: Prepare ingredients – Electric Mixer with Paddle or Hand Mixer with Beaters, Buttercream Icing Mix, 4 Tbsp softened butter (per 1lb Icing Mix), 1 Tbsp cool water (per 1lb Icing Mix)
Step 2: Add Buttercream Icing Mix and butter to mixing bowl. Mix medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until butter is incorporated, scraping sides as necessary
Step 3: Mix low/medium speed, slowly add water until incorporated
Step 4: Mix low/medium speed another 1 to 2 minutes until smooth
How much buttercream does a 2lb pail of Icing Mix make?
2 lb Buttercream Icing Mix yields 4.5 cups of buttercream using recommended recipe
2 lb Buttercream Icing Mix yields 5 cups of buttercream using ‘fluffy’ recipe
It takes about 2½ to 3 cups of icing to generously fill and frost a two-layer 9-inch cake.
For a three-layer cake, plan on using 3½ to 4 cups
What kind of butter can I use?
For most versatile use, we recommend ½ salted, ½ unsalted. For dietary considerations, shortening or vegan butter can be used in place of butter. Be sure to use butter that is softened to room temperature.
Butter/fat level can be adjusted to achieve desired consistency, recommended range is 2-4 oz per 1 lb of icing mix
BUTTER SUBSTITUTES: High ratio shortening, Vegan butter alternatives, Margarine
What speed should I use on the mixer?
We recommend to always mix on low to medium speed as it prevents air bubbles.
How do I color the buttercream?
Once you have the Buttercream Icing Mix completely combined, you can add color. Gel colors are recommended as the consistency will blend best with the buttercream. Dip a clean toothpick into the gel color and add to the buttercream. Use a spatula or electric mixer to mix the color in. For black buttercream, we recommend starting with chocolate buttercream.
How can I change the consistency to suit the project I'm working on?
By adjusting the amounts of butter or water that are added to the Icing Mix, you can create a buttercream consistency that is soft, medium or firm.
Tip: If needed, double the water for dry climates
| Icing Mix | Butter | Water |
Recommended | 1 lb (454g) | 4 Tbsp (57g) | 1 Tbsp (14g) |
Firm | 1 lb (454g) | 4 Tbsp (57g) | 1.5 tsp (7g) |
Softer | 1 lb (454g) | 4 Tbsp (57g) | 1.5 Tbsp (21g) |
Extra Buttery | 1 lb (454g) | 8 Tbsp (114g) | 1.5 tsp (7g) |
For more information on buttercream consistencies read this blog post by artist, Liz Shim of Eat Cake Be Merry.
How can I make a fluffy buttercream for fillings?
- Aerating the Buttercream Icing Mix during mixing will create a fluffier buttercream.
- Use an electric mixer with the paddle attachment
- Measure Buttercream Icing Mix and butter into your mixing bowl and mix on low speed until combined
- Add half of water on medium, mix on medium until combined.
- Scrape sides of bowl & paddle as necessary.
- Mix on medium-high for 8-12 minutes to aerate, volume should increase and mix will become very smooth & fluffy.
- Add remaining water and mix on low until fully incorporated, buttercream should be very smooth.
How do I make it less sweet?
A pinch of salt or small amount of lemon juice can be added to taste, or to cut sweetness. For best results, dissolve salt first in the water/liquid before mixing in. For any lemon juice added, subtract from water quantity.
What water substitutes could I use?
Milk, Cream, Nut Milk, Coconut Cream, and Concentrated Fruit Compounds are all great alternatives to water for creating recipes to suit dietary needs or flavor adjustments.
Will adding flavor and color make it too soft?
Adding color and/or flavor should not affect the consistency of the buttercream. However, if you find the buttercream softer than you desire, add in a small portion of powdered sugar until you reach the consistency right for your project.