How to Make Crusting Buttercream that Actually Sets Firm

This Buttercream Frosting Recipe Changed the way I decorate Cakes and Cupcakes | The Bearfoot Baker

The other day I shared How to Make Professional Cakes with One Awesome Tip, but I didn’t share the recipe. Well, the wait is over! Are you ready for a great crusting buttercream frosting that tastes great, makes beautiful buttercream flowers, holds up on those hot days without melting, and spreads so smooth that people may mistake it for fondant?

How to Make Crusting Buttercream that Actually Sets Firm and is Perfect for Making Beutiful Buttercream Flowers | The Bearfoot Baker

***Update: Sweetex has changed its recipe. I’m so sad. I haven’t tried the new recipe, but I will update this post and add a new one to reveal what I found out once I use the new recipe. It looks like Mr. Bearfoot Baker is going to eat a lot of cakes in the near future. 😉

The secret to this crusting buttercream frosting is it’s made with hi-ratio shortening instead of butter. I love the buttercream frosting made with butter, but sometimes you need a frosting that can hold its beautiful shape in warm conditions and will crust over so your flowers and decorations won’t wilt as the temperature rises.

This crusting buttercream will do just that because it tastes great and is amazing for piping details and flowers that will hold their shape at an outdoor event. Even though it is made with hi ratio shortening, it doesn’t leave your mouth feeling greasy and has a nice taste that your guest will love. Another reason I love it is because you can spread it out to a nice smooth finish. As a matter of fact, it’s so smooth when people see it they might mistake it for fondant.

Supplies for Crusting Buttercream Frosting:

Ingredients:
hi ratio shortening- Sweetex, Alpine, CK, Kitchen Krafts
confectioners’ sugar
milk or heavy cream
vanilla extract
butter flavor
almond flavor

How to Make Crusting Buttercream that Actually Sets Firm | The Bearfoot Baker

How to Make Crusting Buttercream that Actually Sets Firm

This crusting buttercream frosting is delicious, smooth and great for making beautiful buttercream flowers. Spreads smoothly for perfect cakes and cupcakes.
4.50 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Frosting & Icing
Keyword: baking, cake, cookies, dessert, Frosting

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup of hi ratio shortening
  • 1 pound (4 cups of confectioners’ sugar)
  • 3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon of butter flavor
  • 1 teaspoon of almond flavor

Instructions

  • Place the hi ratio shortening and confectioners’ sugar in a bowl and mix.
  • Add the milk and flavors and mix until creamy.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Hi-ratio shortening is key to making this crusting buttercream recipe. If you use a store brand, check the label for trans fats. Brands like Crisco do not contain trans fats and that will affect the way your buttercream frosting recipe. Check out Make Profession Cakes with this One Awesome Tip to see the difference between buttercream flowers made with hi ratio shortening and flowers make with a shortening that doesn’t contain trans fats. Big difference!How to Make Crusting Buttercream Frosting with Hi Ratio Shortening | The Bearfoot Baker

It really is a game-changer when making buttercream frosting. The hi ratio shortening helps stabilize the buttercream which helps it hold its shape and works better in higher temperatures. You don’t have to order hi ratio shortening online but I do. It seems so easy to click a few buttons and get what you’re looking for instead of driving from town to town looking for shortening with trans fats. If you do look for shortening locally, check the label to see if trans fats are listed. If so, you have a winner and you don’t have to pay shipping costs. Lucky you!

I heard that the Wal-Mart brand has trans fats, but haven’t checked it out myself. It is on my shopping list for the next time I venture out. I am going to become a “Label Looker” for the next few weeks!

How to Make Crusting Buttercream that Actually Sets Firm | The Bearfoot Baker

I have more buttercream creations in the works and will share them soon. Now that you have my secret to beautiful buttercream and crusting buttercream recipes, you should make some beautiful creations and share them with us. It’s super fun to play around and see what you can do with just one tip or experiment to make a new design. I know you are going to have fun!

More Frosting Recipes:
American  Buttercream Frosting
Coconut Buttercream Frosting
Swiss Meringue Frosting

Italian Meringue Frosting

Bear hugs,

Lisa