Understanding Grocery Store Cake Frosting: Buttercream vs. Whipped Cream

The Difference Between Buttercream and Whipped Cream Icing

When it comes to grocery store cakes, many people often mistake the icing for whipped cream. However, the reality is that the icing commonly used is a type of buttercream that incorporates shortening instead of butter. This type of buttercream is favored for its stability and ability to hold shape, making it ideal for mass-produced cakes.

Whipped cream icing, on the other hand, is made from cream and does not contain butter or shortening. While it holds its shape due to the air beaten into it, it starts to deflate and return to a liquid form within hours. This inherent instability makes it impractical for grocery store cakes, which need to maintain their appearance over time.

Why Grocery Stores Avoid Real Whipped Cream Icing

Grocery stores are unlikely to use real whipped cream icing because it wouldn't hold up well and would lose its shape quickly. Instead, they opt for more stable alternatives. One such alternative is stabilized whipped cream frosting, which includes gelatin to maintain its shape longer. However, even this is not typically used for grocery store cakes.

Most grocery stores use a product called Ambiante for their cakes. Ambiante is a dairy-free blend that mimics whipped cream but is composed of sugar, corn syrup, emulsifiers, preservatives, flavoring, and coloring. When whipped, it looks like whipped cream but has a longer shelf life and doesn't deflate, making it a cost-effective choice for grocery stores.

Ambiante: The Preferred Choice for Grocery Store Cakes

Ambiante is preferred by grocery stores for several reasons. It doesn’t deflate, is cost-effective, has a long shelf life, and is dairy-free, catering to a wider customer base including those with lactose intolerance. This practical choice ensures that cakes remain visually appealing and stable over time, which is crucial for retail environments.

Cake decorators at grocery stores and small bakeries often dislike using whipped cream icing because it becomes runny and the colors are not vibrant. Ambiante, on the other hand, maintains its form and color, making it easier to work with for elaborate decorations.

Taste Preferences: Buttercream vs. Whipped Cream Icing

Many people find buttercream icing too sweet and heavy, but some prefer it over whipped cream icing for its richer taste. Buttercream icing holds its shape better due to the solid fats from butter or shortening, making it more suitable for intricate cake decorations. The flavor of whipped cream icing is considered bland by some compared to the more robust taste of buttercream.

Whipped cream icing is generally not suitable for elaborate cake decorations due to its instability. It is more appropriate for cakes that are served immediately after being frosted. For those who prefer a lighter and creamier taste, stabilized whipped cream frosting can be an option, especially for fruity cakes where a creamy flavor complements the tartness of the fruit.

Misconceptions and Practical Choices

There is a general misconception that grocery store cakes use whipped cream icing when they actually use a more stable and cost-effective alternative. Lactose intolerance is a consideration for grocery stores, leading them to avoid real whipped cream icing. Ambiante frosting is a practical choice for grocery stores because it is dairy-free and caters to a wider customer base.

While some may find whipped cream icing unpleasant and believe that replacing it with buttercream would make people happier, grocery stores need to balance taste preferences with practical considerations. The use of Ambiante ensures that cakes remain visually appealing, cost-effective, and accessible to a broader audience.