I need help. I got a recipe for buttercream frosting from a lady at church who used to make the BEST cakes ever. Her icing was perfect! When I tried her recipe it just tastes like Crisco. Here is the recipe:

1 lb powdered sugar

1 cup Crisco

3 Tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp butter flavor

I honestly think the Crisco has changed somehow. I have also tried a recipe similar to this, but using only 1/2 cup Sweetex instead of Crisco. I stopped using that because of the same thing. I know it's not just me. Any ideas?

Crisco used to contain trans-fat and now it doesn't. It does affect the taste. Have you tried half-Sweetex and half-butter?

No, I haven't. I will try that.