I see so many buttercream recipes out there and it's so hard to know which to choose. Which is better to use for decorating a cake non-crusting buttercream or crusting? What tastes the best?

Everyone has an opinion on this one, but I'll post first!

Meringue buttercreams (non-crusting) made with 100% butter taste THE BEST!!! Rich, smooth and not too sweet (IMHO)

Crusting BC is much faster/easier to make, but is MUCH sweeter. I almost never use it personally, but it's quite popular.

There are many variations of the crusting BC, from using all-shortening, to 1/2-and-1/2 to all-butter.
All shortening is stiffer and much less temperature sensitive, so is easier to work with.
Most agree that the butter versions taste better though... thus the 1/2-and-1/2... best of both worlds.

I like both Italian Meringue and crusting BC. It just depends what I am in the mood for.

It is definitely a matter of personal taste. My Crusting BC has 2 C Butter 1 C Shortening, but some people prefer all butter and some all shortening. Personally I don't like the all shortening but lots of ppl do. I think you should go with wht you like

Berta

Simple question, not a simple answer. You really need just try all the different varieties and find what works best for you. Base it on flavor and ease to decorate with. I still have not found my "favorite" icing.

There are soo many variations..I sustitute part of the Crisco with butter, but don't go as far as half and half. My preference is the crusting BC for all occasion cakes. Dream Whip icing is another option...it crusts but is not as sweet. There is also the choice between Crisco and Hi-ratio shortening..you lose some of that greasiness with the hi-ratio. The list goes on...

Mel, that's the best answer to the buttercream question I've ever seen.

I always use the 1/2 butter and 1/2 crisco recipe. I find the taste to be better and it is easy to decorate with. You can add more liquid for frosting a cake and less liquid for your borders and decorations. I think the all crisco recipe works well for stiffer decorations like roses.

thank you all!

I've been wondering this same thing!