I just received an order of Butavan. I had heard this was wonderful. It doesn't taste good to me. But since I haven't ever used it, I don't know what it is supposed to taste like. My question is how do you use it. Do you use it in the cake batter or just in icing??? Does anyone else use/like it.

I use it in my icing, like vanilla or almond extract. It is basically a flavoring, but yes, if you taste it, it will not taste good, just like vanilla extract would probably not taste good by itself. Have you ever been to Earlene's website? I took a class from her a month ago and she swears by the stuff. Her website is:

www.earlenescakes.com

She uses it in her cakes as well.

Good luck!!!

I haven't used it myself (havent' gotten around to ordering it yet) but I got intereted in it after reading these recipes on Earlene's Cakes:

http://www.earlenescakes.com/recipes.htm

Now you have me interested. I will have to try it soon. Thanks for the links! Do any stores carry it, or does it have to be ordered?

I use it all the time in both cakes and icing and really love the taste. It is like a really stong combination of vanilla and butter flavor. Check earlene's website to get an idea of the amounts you should use.

can you sub. butavan with vanilla pudding? anyone know of any good substitutes so i dont have to buy it?

Magic Line buttervanilla emulsion but is not as good. I do not like pudding in my cakes, so I am no help on that.

Buttavan is an emulsion. Flavoring used instead of vanilla and butter. It is not a pudding. You only use no more than 1T in any icing or cake for flavor. HTH>

if its a flavoring can i just add vanilla and butter flavoring instead? i just am trying not to buy yet another new item.

Thanks bunches for all the good information . As I said I have not used it yet. I also got Creme Royale and Creme Bouquet. I have used the CB in the past and love it. I saw the people on another forum who all stated they loved Butavan. Can't wait to try it. Will check out Earlene's website.

I use it not only on cakes and icings, but on deserts as well that call for vanilla (creme brulee and portuguese custard cups). Very yummy when added!