Buttercream or ganache?

[pamplemousse]

I need to know which is better to cover and sandwich a cake with please...
Am thinking ganache is richer due to being chocolate and cream (is that all?!) and maybe yummier? Only thinking this as buttercream would be made of cocoa powder and butter etc?
Any ideas please....

[norksinmywaistband]

Buttercream for sandwiching, and ganache to cover

[Overmydeadbody]

buttercream is boaktastic tbh, sorry.

Ganache wins every time, but there are so many other alternatives for filling and covering cakes, not just buttercream or ganache.

Whipped cream with flavourings/fruit/chocolate makes a good filling

Meringue oand other cooked toppings are also really yummy and easy.

[SuperBunny]

Depends on the kind of cake. I use:

Ganache
Melted chocolate
Whipped cream (with or without sugar or melted chocolate in it)
Creamcheese
Glace icing
Buttercream

[pamplemousse]

Cunning plan norks - loving your name!!
OMDB, I realise there are other options, I have the cake ready and waiting, I have cream, chocolate, butter and all things bad for you on standby waiting for me to make my mind up between the two... Whats boaktastic?! Horrible I am guessing...?

[Lizzylou]

I luuurrrve buttercream...
I second Norks, buttercream filling and ganache topping
I so wish I wasn't on a diet!

[Overmydeadbody]

Oh I see! In that case, ganache for the filling and melted chocolate for the topping?

Or, buttercream filling and ganache topping.

I just find buttercream always tastes like sweet butter, not something I enjoy eating!

Another time, if you can, try a meringue type topping, it is very very luch and easy and everyone will be impressed

[pamplemousse]

Thanks people will go with buttercream filling and ganache coating.
Oooh tell me how to make merigue toppping I might have the ingredients... Would it go on a chocolate cake though?! If not whats it best on?
Thaaaanks

[SmugColditz]

considering buttercream was an invention of the second world war when cream wasn't available, I cannot believe you need to ask.
Buttercream = revolting

[Overmydeadbody]

yes it would go on chocolate cake!

All you need is egg whites, a pinch of salt and sugar.

(I agree with colditz too, buttercream, to me, belongs in the same category as prawn cocktail )

[Overmydeadbody]

white icing:

2 cups sugar
1 cup water

heat these, stirring, until disolved. Then boil, without stirring, until the syrup reaches the thread stage.

Meanwhile, whip up:

2 egg whites
a pinch salt

until stiff.

Add the syrup in a thin stream to the egg whites, whisking continuously while doing so.

When it is all mixed together add a pinch of cream of tartar or a few drops of lemon juice.

Cover your cake!

It has the consistancy of marshmallow (not rubbery marshmallows though), or gooey meringue.

[Overmydeadbody]

If you cover a cake with the white icing and then a layer of melted chocolate that then goes hard on the top is is absolutely divine.

You can also flavour that basic recipe with things like peppermint, or add chopped nuts once it is done, or shredded coconut.

[pamplemousse]

God that sounds amazing!
Buttercream to me is the yummy stuff that one piles onto a cupcake to make it very pretty and tasty, I had no idea it was so hated in general!
I was going to cheer my friend up with some cupcakes with a bit of chocolate buttercream on , but am reconsidering now!

[pamplemousse]

Hmm don't have cream of tartar, I wonder if the co op do it...

[Overmydeadbody]

You wait, once you've tried the meringue icing you'll realise how very boring buttercream icing really is!

I also have recipes for caramel icing and filling, lucious orange icing, butterscotch icing, french coffee icing and apricot icing to name but a few...

[MrsMattie]

Both with extra double cream and chocolate sauce and other sweet stuff all over the top...

[Overmydeadbody]

I also have an easier version of that white icing, called 7-minute icing, because it only take 7 minutes!

[SuperBunny]

OMDB, is it spreadable? Can you pipe it?

[pamplemousse]

Oooh will ask for you the next cake I make then
Does 7 minute icing have cream of tartar? Am v tempted as you can probably tell! Is the 7 minute one as yummy? I don't mind spending a bit longer for a yummier result...
Though I do need to make a dahl, a curry, onion hajis and some other stuff tonight so maybe time saving is a good idea!

[Overmydeadbody]

Yes it is spreadable and you can also pipe it, though it is pretty sticky stuff until it has hardened a bit so I wouldn't bother piping it as it would be very messy.

Yes,the 7 minute icing has cream of tartar in it too. I'm tempted to say just leave it out, but wouldn't want to be responsible it if didn't work out as a result

[MadamAnt]

OMG I really shouldn't have opened this thread. My restraint wrt baking is based entirely on the fact that I find buttercream too sickly. I had no idea that there were such luscious alternatives. Oh dear.

[Overmydeadbody]

wow, you having a party then?

The 7 minute one is fluffier, still delicious.

Basically you need to place all the following ingreidewnts into a double boiler or big bowl set over a pan of boiling water and beat them until thoroughly blended:

2 egg whites
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
5 tbsp cold water
1/4 tspn cream of tartar
1 and 1/2 tspn golden syrup (optional, it doesn't matter if you leave it out)

Then beat them over the boiling water for 7 minutes and add a tspn vanilla essence if you want.

SOmetimes it needs a little more beating until it is the right consistancy to spread.

[pamplemousse]

Thank you so much for your help OMDB!
Will go to shop just in case for c.o.t
Yes its my stepmothers birthday tomorrow and we are making a feast, but she doesn't know so I am having to make a load of curries etc and transport them over to theirs tomorrow afternoon. Also have birthday cake responsibilities

[Overmydeadbody]

My pleasure!

I expect a full report back on what topping you chose in the end and how it worked out! Good luck, it all sounds amazing.

[MadamAnt]

OMDB - please would you post ALL of your icing/topping recipes

pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease

[pamplemousse]

I chose .... ganache. I am disappointed in myself for not being adventurous but dp was ill in bed and dd was asleep so didn't want to go out to shop just in case as dp didn't know he was in charge, I needed the cream of tartar y'see.
It was very very good though I am pleased to say, I used plain 85% chocolate and cream, so it was quite bitter compared to the sweet cake. Everyone ate some and seemed to like it so it was a sucess! I finished all my cooking at midnight and realised i'd had no dinner. I made up for the calories with cake today!!
I am definitely making the meringue topping for dp's birthday cake next month, will keep this thread and if you do fancy adding any more recipes.... ;)
Thanks again x