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Buttercream ruffles kept falling off ombre cake.

post #1 of 32
1/31/13 at 7:07pm
Thread Starter 

I made this cake today and all was going well.  I switched colors and by the time I got to the third color down, some of the second color started to fall off the cake.  I was able to stop, switch back to the lighter color and make repairs.  Then it happened again, and again.  I was a loss as to how to stop it.  I fixed it as best I could, but the repairs are obvious and I hated to have to give the customer the cake in this condition, but I had no choice.  She sent me this picture to let me know that she got the cake home without losing more of the ruffles.  I advised her to keep it refrigerated until close to serving time. 

 

My buttercream was pretty stiff.  Any ideas how to keep the ruffles from falling?

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post #2 of 32
1/31/13 at 9:54pm

Was your buttercream too dry? 
 

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post #3 of 32
2/1/13 at 4:16am
Thread Starter 

I don't know.  Perhaps that was the problem.  It wasn't that hard to pipe, and it came out smoothly.  No tears in the thin part of the ruffle. 

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post #4 of 32
2/1/13 at 6:10am

Ruffles falling of is a sure sign the buttercream was too dry.

 

You cannot use regular crusting buttercream for piping.  You MUST add a tablespoon of corn syrup per cup of icing to make it pipe properly and stick to the cake.

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post #5 of 32
2/1/13 at 6:17am
Thread Starter 

Thank you.  I'll know next time.

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post #6 of 32
2/1/13 at 6:22am

Yes, I too always put a heaping tablespoon of light corn syrup in my buttercream. This helps with elasticity. My buttercream is a crusting buttercream but I never have any issues with this because of the corn syrup.
 

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post #7 of 32
2/1/13 at 6:24am
It's a lovely cake! Sorry you had ruffle trouble.

Maybe its just the way you post BI, but you do come off as a bit aggressive when you post sometimes. Maybe its the CAPITALS that does it lol.
My bloggedy blog: www.sugaredsaffron.co.uk/blog
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SugaredSaffron
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My bloggedy blog: www.sugaredsaffron.co.uk/blog
My Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SugaredSaffron
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post #8 of 32
2/1/13 at 11:03am
Thread Starter 

I really appreciate all of you taking the time to let me know what I am doing wrong.  I read and watch videos as much as possible but it seems I still miss things.  Everyone on this site is so helpful.  Thanks.

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post #9 of 32
2/1/13 at 11:34am
Thanks for the "corn syrup" tip, never thought of that. BakingIrene always has great advice. You've helped me out a few times.icon_smile.gif
Lyndi M.
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Lyndi M.
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post #10 of 32
2/1/13 at 11:49am

I've never done the buttercream ruffles but I love doing marshmallow fondant ruffles because I have so much control. If I mess up, I just peel it off and try it again. Here's an example for you. I hope that helps... maybe for next time :)

 

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post #11 of 32
2/1/13 at 12:19pm
The one and only time I did ombré buttercream ruffles I had the same problem with them falling off and transporting was a nightmare. This thread has been a life saver for me to even think about trying it again! Thanks to all, especially the
OP!
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post #12 of 32
2/1/13 at 2:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SaltCakeCity View Post

I've never done the buttercream ruffles but I love doing marshmallow fondant ruffles because I have so much control. If I mess up, I just peel it off and try it again. Here's an example for you. I hope that helps... maybe for next time :)

 


*sigh* I am so in love with this cake.  The ruffles look so delicate and very fine....  it's beautiful.

Inside this fat body, there's a thin woman screaming to get out...... but I can usually shut her up with chocolate!
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Inside this fat body, there's a thin woman screaming to get out...... but I can usually shut her up with chocolate!
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post #13 of 32
2/1/13 at 2:55pm
Thread Starter 

Ah, if only anyone liked fondant.  Someone could make a fortune if they could change that mindset.  Which MM fondant recipe do you use?  Are your customers happy with it?

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post #14 of 32
2/1/13 at 3:01pm

Fortunately, we don't have that problem in the UK....  buttercream is the exception, not the norm!
 

Inside this fat body, there's a thin woman screaming to get out...... but I can usually shut her up with chocolate!
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Inside this fat body, there's a thin woman screaming to get out...... but I can usually shut her up with chocolate!
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post #15 of 32
2/1/13 at 3:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SugaredSaffron View Post

It's a lovely cake! Sorry you had ruffle trouble.

Maybe its just the way you post BI, but you do come off as a bit aggressive when you post sometimes. Maybe its the CAPITALS that does it lol.


She used all capitals on one word and having seen her on the boards for so long I wouldn't be offended if she did.  She is not a mean person and only wants to help someone having problems.  I believe she used them to emphasize that it needs corn syrup and by using MUST it would drive the point home so one does not forget that detai?Perhaps putting a lol after a comment one would think it wasn't meant to be aggressive?  Let's all just look at the help that is given and not the capitals and take it with as it is meant, help to those that need it.  Thanks ladies.


Edited by cakegrandma - 2/1/13 at 3:59pm

Cake brings out the inner child in you.
 

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Cake brings out the inner child in you.
 

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