I, for the life of me, cannot get my SMBC to set up. I can get it perfect to the meringue part but once I add in my butter it just becomes a loose lumpy mess that won't become a shiny smooth buttercream. I tossed out one batch because of it, plus it had separated. Now I'm on my second batch, where the same thing is happening, but I put it in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes, came back to whiping it and it's still lumpy and loose. What do I do?
Featured Sponsors
Recent Reviews
-
I have used 3 sets of these for many years and wish I had more. Although the newer designs are like 1 board with 3 different "waves" in it...this older model with its design is much...
-
I always have some of the White in my pantry for those days when the grandkids are over and want to make something. I have many of the other colors...but sometimes the kiddos want to make their...
-
Part 1 of 2 Custom Cupcake Wrappers are an easy way to add a special touch to a party. I like to use them for baby showers because I can put the name of the family on the wrapper. And no...
-
I have all of the Wilton molds in this line and love them. Just very lightly dust and go.
-
I live in MO in the summer and TX in the winter. Both of my kitchens have the pro mixer. I absolutely love both of my pro Kitchen Aids. Very sturdy and wonderful for breadmking. I still wish that...
HELP!!! Swiss Meringue Buttercream
post #2 of 13
1/16/12 at 11:46am
Separation is part of the process. You have to just keep mixing it. It will set up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBoRMWcfNc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBoRMWcfNc
post #3 of 13
1/16/12 at 11:56am
- Sassy74
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 516 Posts. Joined 9/2006
- Location: Louisiana
- Select All Posts By This User
What's your recipe? Sounds like your proportions may not be quite right. Just a thought.
I made two batches of SMBC yesterday, and it's always somewhat touchy for me...butter can't be too soft, can't use egg whites from a carton, etc. I know others who don't have these issues, but I know *I* do lol.
I made two batches of SMBC yesterday, and it's always somewhat touchy for me...butter can't be too soft, can't use egg whites from a carton, etc. I know others who don't have these issues, but I know *I* do lol.
post #4 of 13
1/16/12 at 11:58am
- writersblock15
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 139 Posts. Joined 1/2010
- Location: Pennsylvania
- Select All Posts By This User
Was your butter softened to room temperature? It sounds like it may have been too cold.
post #5 of 13
1/16/12 at 12:12pm
- HappyCake10609
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 288 Posts. Joined 8/2010
- Location: NH
- Select All Posts By This User
Quote:
Originally Posted by babycakes06
Separation is part of the process. You have to just keep mixing it. It will set up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBoRMWcfNc
Separation is part of the process. You have to just keep mixing it. It will set up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBoRMWcfNc
I agree... when you look at it and think "it's not right" and are tempted to throw it out.... just let it keep beating and walk away, check back in 5 minutes it will probably have come together! Sometimes, if my butter is still too cold it takes a little longer, but eventually it always comes together
Bridal Shower
(3 photos) |
Baby Shower
(6 photos) |
Children's Birthday Cakes
(4 photos) |
post #6 of 13
1/16/12 at 12:19pm
- Jody130
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 128 Posts. Joined 12/2010
- Location: Hazlehurst, GA
- Select All Posts By This User
post #7 of 13
1/16/12 at 12:29pm
- metria
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 1,541 Posts. Joined 9/2009
- Location: Austin, TX
- Select All Posts By This User
I have had success (2 out of 2 tries) using AllWhites (http://www.allwhiteseggwhites.com/) pasteurized egg whites in a carton with this recipe:
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/224405/swiss-meringue-buttercream
Not sure if I'll always be successful (or if the meringue gods were just smiling on me that day), but I'm hoping to continue using this recipe.
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/224405/swiss-meringue-buttercream
Not sure if I'll always be successful (or if the meringue gods were just smiling on me that day), but I'm hoping to continue using this recipe.
post #8 of 13
1/16/12 at 1:18pm
- soygurl
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 430 Posts. Joined 8/2005
- Location: Humboldt Co, CA
- Select All Posts By This User
I'm 99% sure that your problems has to do with temperature. Separating and looking lumpy are CLASIC signs of butter that's too cold. You also mentioned putting it "in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes" but honestly, that's probably the worst thing you could have done.
I hope you already got it fixed, or at least haven't tossed your second batch as well! But in case you're still struggling, the quickest way to fix separated SMBC is to scoop out a bit (depends on how big your batch is, but anywhere from 1/4-1 cup, and microwave it until it's liquid then pour that back in with the rest, set it to mixing on med-low, and let it mix for at least a couple minutes. If it's looking a little better, but still not quite right, just melt a little more and add it.
I know it seems contradictory to make it warm when your problem is that it's all soft and goopy (especially if you're used to american style BC), but trust me. Temperature is almost ALWAYS the cause of problems when making meringue BC.
I hope you already got it fixed, or at least haven't tossed your second batch as well! But in case you're still struggling, the quickest way to fix separated SMBC is to scoop out a bit (depends on how big your batch is, but anywhere from 1/4-1 cup, and microwave it until it's liquid then pour that back in with the rest, set it to mixing on med-low, and let it mix for at least a couple minutes. If it's looking a little better, but still not quite right, just melt a little more and add it.
I know it seems contradictory to make it warm when your problem is that it's all soft and goopy (especially if you're used to american style BC), but trust me. Temperature is almost ALWAYS the cause of problems when making meringue BC.
~Kelsie
*In the process of slooowly updating my photos (3 year backlog). More coming soon!*
*In the process of slooowly updating my photos (3 year backlog). More coming soon!*
~Kelsie
*In the process of slooowly updating my photos (3 year backlog). More coming soon!*
*In the process of slooowly updating my photos (3 year backlog). More coming soon!*
post #9 of 13
1/16/12 at 1:20pm
- soygurl
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 430 Posts. Joined 8/2005
- Location: Humboldt Co, CA
- Select All Posts By This User
post #10 of 13
1/16/12 at 1:22pm
- soygurl
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 430 Posts. Joined 8/2005
- Location: Humboldt Co, CA
- Select All Posts By This User
post #11 of 13
1/16/12 at 1:24pm
- soygurl
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 430 Posts. Joined 8/2005
- Location: Humboldt Co, CA
- Select All Posts By This User
post #12 of 13
1/16/12 at 7:06pm
- KoryAK
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 4,723 Posts. Joined 4/2007
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Select All Posts By This User
soygurl is right. Just warm the mass up (taking a torch to the outside of the bowl works well too if you have one) and keep whipping. SMBC is VERY rarely ruined.
post #13 of 13
1/17/12 at 4:55pm
Yes usually if u keep mixing it will come together, just make sure the butter is at room temperature. I also use shortening in my SMBC and instead of putting the butter (and shortening in my case) in a few chunks at a time I just dump it all in (using the whisk attachment) and mix unitl incorporated. It has not failed me yet! 
Currently, there are 584 Active Users
(13 Members and 571 Guests)
Recent Discussions
- › helpp please 3 minutes ago
- › How long did you need to find a good business name? 37 minutes ago
- › How do I fill a 3D Train Cake? 2 hours, 5 minutes ago
- › Wet towel trick don't work for me 2 hours, 24 minutes ago
- › Borders we love Pt.2 (fondant) 3 hours, 2 minutes ago
- › HOW LONG DOES THE BUTTERCREAM ICING FROM SAMS STAY FRESH? 3 hours, 9 minutes ago
- › onion domes. 3 hours, 16 minutes ago
- › FINALLY a scratch WASC recipe! 4 hours, 37 minutes ago
- › Heavy cream left out 4 hours, 43 minutes ago
- › Creativity drought 4 hours, 43 minutes ago
View: New Posts | All Discussions
Recent Reviews
- › Wilton Flower Former Set by MsNeuropil
- › Wilton White Candy Melts, 12-Ounce by MsNeuropil
- › Cupcake Wrapper Creator by maritzausa
- › Wilton Fondant and Gum Paste Silicone Mold, Kids Party by crazygrammie
- › Kitchen Aid Brand Professional 610 Stand Mixer by GaMa Marge
- › Wilton Diamonds Texture Press by lisamartin205
- › Oster Inspire 2529 6-Speed Hand Mixer with Storage Case by Buzzardbait1950
- › Wilton Towering Tiers Cake Stand by kovacstracey
- › Jonas Baker's Mate Collapsible Cooling Rack by Servelan
- › Wilton Decorate Smart Ultimate Trim-N-Turn Cake Caddy by Aunt Tillty
View: More Reviews
New Articles
- › Patriotic eagle cake by Montrealconfections
- › HOW TO MAKE A CROWN USING A WILTON BAROQUE MOLD by al-tomczak
- › Best White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting by Sarahoza
- › Edible stamens for cupcake flowers by sweettooth101
- › Yoda Star Wars Cookies by sugarkissed_net
- › Easy Papaya Cutout Flowers by marya92
- › Stained Glass Effect Cake Tutorial by Tashastasytreats
- › Deb Miller's Vanilla Marshmallow Fondant by debm1
- › How to bake a Curly Cookie by mamakaat
- › Lightning McQueen Cars Cake Topper Tutorial by Leascooking
View: New Articles | All Articles
Home | Products | Forums | Articles | My Profile
About Cake Central | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2013 Cake Central is powered by Huddler Families | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map
About Cake Central | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2013 Cake Central is powered by Huddler Families | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map






