Buttercream vs Cream Cheese Frosting: Which is Best for Hot Weather Cake Decorating?

When it comes to cake decorating in hot temperatures, the choice between buttercream and cream cheese frosting can make a significant difference in the final result. Here, we'll explore the advantages of each frosting and provide recommendations to ensure your cake looks and tastes its best.

Stability in Warm Climates: Buttercream vs Cream Cheese Frosting

In hot temperatures, buttercream is generally a better choice for cake decorating compared to cream cheese frosting. This preference is primarily due to its stability, taste, and versatility, which are crucial for maintaining the desired structure and decoration on your cake.

Buttercream Frosting

Stability

Buttercream, especially when made with a higher ratio of powdered sugar, can hold its shape well in warmer conditions. American buttercream, in particular, is known for its stability, making it a reliable choice in hot climates.

Temperature Tolerance

While buttercream can soften in very hot temperatures, it typically holds up better than cream cheese frosting. This means that your decorations are less likely to melt or lose their structure in hot weather.

Versatility

You can easily adjust the consistency of buttercream by varying the amount of sugar or adding a bit of shortening. Adding shortening can significantly enhance the frosting's stability in heat, making it ideal for hot weather applications.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Taste

Cream cheese frosting has a tangy flavor that many people love, making it a suitable choice for certain cakes such as carrot cake or red velvet. Its rich, creamy texture also adds a delightful finish to many cake designs.

Softness

However, cream cheese frosting tends to be softer and can melt more easily in warm conditions. This can make it less ideal for intricate decorations, as the texture may not hold up as well in hot weather.

Recommendations for Hot Weather

For Hot Weather: If you opt for buttercream, consider using a recipe that includes shortening or a high ratio of buttercream for extra stability. Adding a small amount of meringue powder can also enhance the frosting's stability and structure.

Refrigeration: Regardless of the frosting you choose, it's important to keep the decorated cake in a cool place or refrigerate it until serving. This helps maintain the cake's structure and prevents melting.

Professional bakers sometimes use shortening in buttercream if they know a cake will be sitting in warm temperatures. While shortening improves stability, it can affect the taste, but adding a bit of meringue powder can help mitigate this issue.

Consider Combining Butter and Shortening: You can try a combination of half butter and half shortening with a little meringue powder to stabilize the frosting. This combination can provide a stable yet tasty frosting for hot weather cake decorating.

Conclusion

For hot weather and cake decorating, buttercream is usually the better option for stability. Whether you choose buttercream or cream cheese frosting, proper handling and refrigeration can help ensure your cake looks its best in any climate.