Wilton Copycat Buttercream Icing: The Decorator’s Dream

I remember my first cake decorating class like it was yesterday. The scent of powdered sugar hung heavy in the air, a sweet promise of the edible masterpieces we were about to create. But the real magic began when we made the buttercream. It wasn’t just a frosting; it was the sculptor’s clay, the painter’s palette, the foundation upon which all our floral fantasies would bloom. That first swirl of perfectly stiff buttercream transformed a simple cake into something extraordinary, and I’ve been chasing that perfect consistency ever since. This recipe is a close copy of the buttercream used during the Wilton cake decorating courses.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yields: 3 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• ½ cup Crisco, room temperature
• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon almond extract or 1 teaspoon butter flavor extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder

Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Sifter
• Spatula
• Damp cloth or plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Begin by creaming together the butter and Crisco in your mixing bowl. Use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or a hand mixer, on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. The consistency should be smooth and well combined.

2. Add your chosen flavor extract (either almond or butter) and the milk or water to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can affect the final texture of the buttercream.

3. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, along with the meringue powder. Beat on medium speed until each cup of sugar is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next. Sifting the confectioners’ sugar is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free buttercream. If you are using a hand mixer, take care not to create a cloud of sugar by starting on low speed.

4. Once all the dry ingredients are added, beat the icing on medium speed for another 7-10 minutes. This extended beating time is essential for developing the desired creamy, smooth texture. The buttercream should become lighter in color and increase slightly in volume. If you notice any air bubbles, reduce the speed to low for a minute or two to help release them.

5. Once the buttercream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container or cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. This is especially important while you are actively using the icing for decorating.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Consistency is Key: This recipe yields a stiff buttercream, perfect for piping roses and other intricate decorations. To achieve a medium consistency for general piping, add an extra teaspoon of water or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. For a thinner icing suitable for covering a cake base, add 2 teaspoons of water or milk.
• Pure White Icing: If you need a stark white buttercream, use a clear vanilla extract. Wilton offers a range of clear extracts specifically designed for this purpose. You can also add a tiny drop of violet gel food coloring to neutralize any yellow tones in the butter.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure that both the butter and Crisco are at room temperature before you begin. This will allow them to cream together more easily and result in a smoother buttercream. If the butter is too cold, it will be difficult to incorporate, and if it’s too melted, the buttercream will be greasy.
• Meringue Powder Magic: Don’t skip the meringue powder! It helps to stabilize the buttercream, prevent it from becoming too soft, and provides a smooth, professional finish. It also adds a slight sweetness and helps the icing hold its shape.
• Troubleshooting: If your buttercream is too stiff, add more liquid (water or milk), a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too soft, add more sifted confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If your buttercream appears curdled, continue beating it. Sometimes, the ingredients just need more time to come together.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Wilton Copycat Buttercream Icing is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Its stiff consistency makes it ideal for creating detailed decorations such as roses, borders, and lettering.

• Serving: For best results, frost your baked goods shortly before serving. Buttercream-frosted items can be stored at room temperature for a few hours, but keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Storage: Leftover buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and then re-beat it with a mixer until it returns to its smooth, creamy consistency.
• Freezing: You can also freeze buttercream for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then re-beat it before using. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing, so you may need to adjust the consistency with a little extra liquid or confectioners’ sugar.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (approximately 1/3 cup):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	402 kcal	20%
Total Fat	21.8 g	33%
Saturated Fat	10.0 g	50%
Cholesterol	27.6 mg	9%
Sodium	74.9 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	53.3 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	52.3 g	N/A
Protein	0.2 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free Buttercream: While the original recipe calls for butter, you can substitute it with a high-quality vegan butter alternative. Look for brands that are specifically formulated for baking.
• Flavor Variations: The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different extracts such as lemon, peppermint, orange, or even coffee extract. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder for a chocolate buttercream.
• Coloring: Use gel food coloring to achieve vibrant and consistent colors. Gel colors are more concentrated than liquid colors, so a little goes a long way.
• Brown Butter Buttercream: For a sophisticated twist, brown the butter before creaming it with the Crisco. This adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor to the buttercream. Be sure to let the browned butter cool completely before using it.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my buttercream grainy?

A: A grainy texture is usually caused by undissolved sugar. Make sure you sift the confectioners’ sugar before adding it, and beat the buttercream for the full 7-10 minutes to allow the sugar to fully dissolve.

Q: My buttercream is too soft. How can I fix it?

A: Gradually add more sifted confectioners’ sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Be sure to beat the buttercream well after each addition.

Q: Can I make this buttercream ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the buttercream several days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature and re-beat it before using.

Q: How do I prevent my buttercream from crusting over?

A: To prevent a crust from forming, cover the buttercream tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface. You can also store it in an airtight container.

Q: Why is my buttercream yellow?

A: The yellow color comes from the butter. If you want a pure white buttercream, use a clear vanilla extract and consider adding a tiny drop of violet gel food coloring to neutralize the yellow tones.

Final Thoughts

This Wilton Copycat Buttercream Icing is more than just a recipe; it’s a key to unlocking your inner cake decorator. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this recipe provides a reliable foundation for creating beautiful and delicious desserts. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors, colors, and techniques to make it your own. So go ahead, grab your mixer and your piping bags, and let your imagination run wild! And be sure to share your creations—we’d love to see what you come up with. Happy decorating!