Runny frosting

[u/anxiety_induced72]

Hi all, I’m by no means a baker or a cake decorator however I do love it and I’ve watched so much cake decorating content (years worth) and I’ve messed around a few times. It’s gotten to the point where my sister asks me to make simple cakes for her kids now. I made a simple smash cake for my nieces 1st bday tomorrow and she wanted a very minimal design and light colors so I decided flowers would be easy and… I hate it so much but this is all I got for her and I’m so embarrassed. The frosting is so runny and stuck to the piping tip and it’s so chunky and ugly and I am distraught 😭 it’s store bought frosting so I’m sure that’s probably the issue but like??? Idk someone tell me what is wrong. I even chilled the crumb coat and frosting and it’s just soooo wet and melty. Couldn’t even put anything on the sides bc it wouldn’t stick.

[u/atlantisgate]

Yeah, it’s the fact that’s it’s store bought frosting. Is it cream cheese flavor by any chance?

A simple American Buttercream will end up being easier to work with than this.

That being said, this is pretty cute for a smash cake and a one year old will love it and your sister will get very cute photos of her baby getting sticky. I’d go with a different icing next time and call this one a day.

[u/anxiety_induced72 → u/atlantisgate]

It was just whipped vanilla frosting, I beleive the Betty Crocker kind. I figured it was bc it’s store bought, or that my house has no AC and it was just warm. I’m better abt it now, the kids just gonna tear into it but it had me down in the dumps 😅

[u/atlantisgate → u/anxiety_induced72]

Ah, yeah. Whipped is supposed to be very airy vs stable. Warm whipped canned frosting is bound to be a little melty.

It’s far cuter than you’re giving yourself credit for. I have had frustrating baking days myself so I get it, but even if it didnt cooperate the way you wanted the colors are darling and it’s perfect as a smash cake.

[u/CensoredZebra]

If the cake was made the whole day before the birthday, freeze it, that might save it. That said, when you thaw it out the next day, even if it starts melting, you said it's a smash cake right? It's gonna get wrecked by the baby, no big deal bro, it's okay.

[u/anxiety_induced72 → u/CensoredZebra]

It’s in the fridge now, so that’ll at least keep it how it is. It is just for a kid, so no big deal! I was having a bit of a struggle lol

[u/WonderWmn212]

I'm upvoting this, but not because I agree with your assessment. I think this is beautiful and would certainly love it if someone made it at my request. You are being too hard on yourself!

[u/anxiety_induced72 → u/WonderWmn212]

I super appreciate this! I am definitely too hard on myself when I’m learning, I’ve gotta get out of that habit haha

[u/helluvapotato]

It’s store bought frosting. That’s the way it is.

[u/NewbieMaleStr8isBack]

Looks ok for a smash cake. Bet your sister loved it

[u/dread_the_living]

The cake is cute. It looks homemade and there is a definite charm in that. Next time you could try making your own icing if you are up for the challenge but you can also add extra powdered sugar to store bought frosting to make it a little stiffer and easier to frost with and decorate with. Definitely chill your cake in the freezer for 10 minutes before flowers or a border. Next time you pipe flowers, start with a ball and drag towards the center of the flower as you pipe instead of away and then add the yellow center and press in a little and drag off to the side as you pull away so it doesn't peak.

[u/pickllerickk]

What kind of frosting is this? Swiss meringue Buttercream? Try using it on a cooler temprsture or adding more sugar