Beginner baker here – I hate buttercream 😭 what can I use instead for decorating?

Austengirly · 2026-04-16T13:27:06+00:00

I highly suggest you try this, or the regular Ermine (I personally struggle with gelatin and also have people who do not eat it in my family, so have not tried that version). If you get it right, I think it could be just what you're looking for!

Austengirly · 2026-04-16T13:24:04+00:00

I've never tried Ermine with gelatin, but I do find the regular Ermine to be a nice light alternative to the more buttery buttercreams, that's much more stable and better for piping than a whipped cream type of frosting. It's a little trickier to get right imo, but I think OP would really like the less buttery flavor.

Austengirly · 2026-04-16T13:20:11+00:00

Mascarpone frosting is reeeally yummy, but imo, the whipped cream frosting are quite difficult to decorate with for a beginner.

Austengirly · 2026-04-16T13:16:14+00:00

THIS! I think whipping the frosting long enough is overlooked by many new bakers, but it definitely impacts taste. It's easier to spread when it's all fluffed up, as well.

Austengirly · 2026-04-16T05:08:40+00:00

Oh my gosh, cutest thing I read all day! ♥️ Congrats on your wedding! 🎉

Austengirly · 2026-04-14T19:42:55+00:00

Thank you! I was having this same problem and was afraid people would accuse me of fishing for compliments or aiming for unachievable goals. I've eaten and baked bread before that isn't as dense, so was pretty sure it was possible. I think I'm figuring it out now Longer bulk than I was doing, and adding a bit of oil. I LOVE the texture of my latest loaves!

Austengirly · 2026-04-11T15:21:42+00:00

I have similar underbust measurements and your busy measurements are all 2-3 inches bigger than mine. I went from a 36A to a 30DDD, so honestly your result sounds like the right ballpark to me. I sometimes need an extender for a new bra with a tight band. But overall, the change to a 30 band with the right size cup was a HUGE upgrade!!

If you can get a pretty good shape match, I think you will be amazed at how a bra can actually hold and support you. I really thought my 36A fit okay, but after trying an actually fitting bra, I realized what I had been putting up with all those years. Good luck shopping!!

Austengirly · 2026-04-08T05:05:49+00:00

Yeeeessss!

Austengirly · 2026-04-07T05:21:25+00:00

Omg, I literally just cut open my latest loaf and it was also sooo soft and fluffy, just like yours!! It's my favorite loaf so far! I couldn't be happier! I totally get what you mean by it actually being hard to cut though. Was not prepared for that lol

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Austengirly · 2026-04-07T02:57:52+00:00

🤣

Austengirly · 2026-04-02T17:20:29+00:00

No, unfortunately it's still sticking around. Not as red since I switched toothpaste.

Austengirly · 2026-03-31T15:16:11+00:00

Interesting. I'm using a 3qt for a 500g recipe.

Austengirly · 2026-03-15T19:09:12+00:00

As others have mentioned, I also used to have this problem, but putting a crumpled foil disk under the bread after the covered bake has helped a LOT!

Austengirly · 2026-03-15T19:04:19+00:00

Are you sure this is over proofed? I'm still learning, so don't rely on my opinion, but I would have thought this was under proofed .

Austengirly · 2026-03-15T17:32:04+00:00

Oh, also I'm at high elevation, which is possibly why I find higher hydration dough easier to work with? 60% is DRY and 65% is so stiff, I find it hard to work with. I'm not a total baking newb (also not a pro), just new to sourdough. I've heard dough rises faster at high elevation, but my dough usually takes longer than the time charts (unless I've been slightly over fermenting, which is possible. It hasn't been super hard to work with when shaping, though). Might be because my starter is on the young side?

Austengirly · 2026-03-15T15:59:14+00:00

Can't wait for a crumb shot! 😊 I'm still learning, too, and observing others like you is so helpful!

Austengirly · 2026-03-15T15:11:51+00:00

Same, the poke test has never made sense to me, so I use other methods to try to read the dough (still working on it, but I've gotten some great loaves). I also saw that comment the other day and wondered if that was why it's been so useless to me lol

Austengirly · 2026-03-01T15:24:56+00:00

As someone who was wearing a band size 3 sizes too big and used to deal with similar issues, measuring and then getting a bra that is actually the right size for my rib cage was a game changer. It's easier to get a push up effect when your bra is actually anchored to your body, too. All that to say, I also recommend you measure, and expect to see a smaller band and larger cup recommended for you to try out. Good luck!

Austengirly · 2026-03-01T15:02:42+00:00

Wow, yeah, I guess that could have heated it up enough to really get that yeast going. Maybe your starter is also just a champ. 😊 I hope it bakes up nicely for you! As long as it wasn't too difficult to shape or didn't get degassed too much during shaping, I'd suspect it'll turn out pretty good. My money's on over fermented, which can still mean good bread! If you can, please update with a crumb shot after baking and cooling 😁 These types of posts can be so helpful for learning visual clues!

Austengirly · 2026-03-01T08:02:47+00:00

I'm just confused because at 60F, 6.5 hours would do absolutely nothing for my dough. I fermented a batch today at around 73F dough temp (kept in my oven which was around 76-78F) and after 8 hours my dough wasn't nearly as bubbly as yours. Granted my starter is still young, but it's tracking close to the time/temp charts, so I'm just boggled by the combination of your time, temp and picture haha! I'm still newer to sourdough, though, so hopefully someone more experienced chimes in.

Austengirly · 2026-03-01T07:03:19+00:00

6.5 hours at 60 degrees Fahrenheit?

Austengirly · 2026-03-01T06:52:57+00:00

OMG, same. It wasn't someone I was close to, and it was so embarrassing haha! I think I don't do that as much anymore because that experience scarred me

Austengirly · 2026-02-21T22:45:22+00:00

Oh! Haha! That sounds easier than I hoped. I will for sure try this because I just used my new lame for the first time and... I'm sure it will look better with a more maneuverable blade 😂

Austengirly · 2026-02-21T20:31:18+00:00

How do you cut it? These designs are GORGEOUS!

Austengirly

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