I prefer SMBC over American buttercream

[BakeMyDayMimo]

I used full shortening for now because I’m just using this to practice my flowers

[supernova]

the reason why you hated it is probably because you used shortening 😂 American BUTTERcream made with *butter* is still on the sweet side, but definitely better tasting than shortening

[TheKjoy]

It feels wrong to call it a buttercream if it doesn't have butter in it.

[mossfrog]

I have never heard of using shortening for American buttercream only ever butter but definitely agree on the too sweet thing I use ermine buttercream most of the time

[UnicornsPoopRainbows]

Also from the Midwest and we used real butter not shortening. I wonder if you used icing sugar, which is powdered sugar but may be ground finer. It is super sweet though, can’t get around that unless you replace some sugar with corn starch or something’s

[FluffyPancakes]

Why did you use shortening in the first place?
I mean no harm but I’m genuinely curious! I tried it with half butter half shortening once and I thought it was vile, but I don’t mind those made with full butter.

[mikaylaballou]

I make my American buttercream with all butter and it’s not grainy at all. I think it just depends on what techniques you use. And shortening definitely doesn’t help

[SmolPotato]

I've only ever used butter for my buttercream and I really liked it, it was way better than store-bought stuff (I used it for cupcakes and dyed it green, it was fun)

[nataliemaclees]

Wilton decorating classes teach making "buttercream" with shortening so it's a bright crisp white rather than a soft yellow. It's pretty gross.


American buttercream made with butter is not gritty if you add the sugar very slowly and allow it time to dissolve in the soft whipped butter before adding more. Add just a couple tablespoons at a time - it takes a long time but it's smooth and creamy and whipped so much it's lighter and less sweet.

[bigaliceenergy]

I've not heard of that and I've got to be honest it doesn't sound appetizing but it does make a little bit of sense because shortening is more likely to hold its form at room temperature

[KindlySo]

My family always made buttercream with butter. We weren't selling commercially.

[spriggy]

Swiss meringue is my new obsession 💜 looking forward to making French buttercream next

[SarahTrivedi]

Buttercream is supposed to be all butter, no shortening at all

[-kz]

I like American buttercream although admit it is a bit gritty. But I always make it with butter and milk (not cream) and I use it sparingly. I don't like loads of icing on a cupcake or cake. Just a thin layer is perfect.

[Magic_Skeleton]

The way my family does buttercream is 1 cup of butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, splash of milk, some vanilla, pinch of salt.
It is still very dense and sweet, but it tastes good and has its purposes.

[silverghostcat]

How can you call it buttercream when it doesn't have any butter 🧈 in it? 😸

[Tanya-lviz]

I never put shortening in buttercream I know I wouldn’t like it I use all butter I need to try to make the Swiss meringue frosting

[DelliHopp]

I made Russian buttercream yesterday and omg, it’s so good! I used Wilton salted caramel flavor.

[SpartanAngel]

You don't have to use shortening for ABC. I just use unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt (cuts through the sweetness), and heavy whipping cream. I've gotten a lot of compliments. Especially from my mom who typically doesn't like buttercream or frosting.

[YayaSweetie]

I've never seen an American buttercream recipe only made with shortening, that sounds horrendous. 😳😳