FAQs

Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Questions:

I have a question about a recipe. Can you help me?
Yes I’d love to help! If there’s a specific recipe I’ve posted on the blog that you need help with, just post a comment on that blog post or send me an email at kara@iscreamforbuttercream.com

I made a recipe, but something went wrong. What happened?
I’m happy to help you try and figure out what happened. Sometimes it’s a simple matter of mixing too long, or maybe your oven temperature is off. Just let me know exactly what happened and I’ll do my best to help sort it out.

If it is a recipe from my website, I try very hard to only post the recipes that have turned out well for me and I try to be very detailed at writing the instructions. Sometimes things slip by me though, so if you see an error, please let me know, so I can correct it. Otherwise, It’s always good to not only read the printable recipe card, but to also read the post as well because sometimes there are extra tidbits of helpful information in there too.

I try not to write really long recipe posts, so that you can get straight to the point. My best piece of advice is to follow the instructions exactly as written, at least the first time.

Sometimes what we think isn’t important (like having the butter at the correct temperature, or how long we actually mix the batter) is actually really important and makes a difference in the final product. Always try to use the ingredients listed without substitutions, unless you are a very experienced baker.

Can I substitute this for that?
When I write a recipe, that’s the recipe I’ve found to work best. Baking is really tricky and the ingredients need to be in specific ratios. Substituting ingredients here and there may give you unintended results.

Not all ingredients will substitute equally. For example, you cannot substitute oil for butter in equal amounts. Also baking powder and baking soda are two different things and do two different jobs, so you can’t substitute those ingredients either.

There are some substitutions that actually do work and I try to add those to the recipe cards when I can.

Please don’t send an angry review of a recipe if ingredients where substituted. I may not have tested those specific ingredients.
Unless you’re an experienced baker, please try the recipe as written at least the first time.

What if I already substituted an ingredient and it was really good?
Ok, I’m curious…what recipe and what ingredient? I’d love to know, so I can add it to the recipe notes! Comment on that blog post, or send me an email at kara@iscreamforbuttercream.com

Can you convert the measurements in your recipes for me?
Under the ingredient list, there will be options for you to choose. I write everything in US measurements, but to convert them to metric, just click the word metric.

These recipes seem really sweet and not very healthy. What about nutritional stats?
There are nutritional stats at the bottom of each recipe. You’re right…My recipes are not diet recipes, nor are they super healthy. I make sweet cakes and buttercream because in my mind, those things are dessert and they’re meant to be taste sweet. That may not be for everyone, but there are plenty of places online to find sites for healthy diets. The recipes on this site are generally for special occasions and I think it’s good to live a little. 😉

How do I know when you’ve posted a new recipe?
You can sign up for the newsletter! You’ll get updates every week and that way, you won’t miss a post! Go here to sign up…it’s free:  Subscribe for Free

Cake Decorating Questions:

Where did you learn cake decorating? 

I’m self taught! I love all things cake related and I love to experiment. Sometimes those experiments work and sometimes they don’t, but I always learn something. You can read more about my journey in cake decorating on my about page here: About Me

What are your favorite cake decorating supplies?

Oh I LOVE cake decorating supplies, but I have to really be careful not to go crazy buying them. I’ve collected my favorite list of basic cake decorating supplies here: Cake Decorating Tools I Love

Do you have a cake decorating course?
Yes I do! I have a beginner cake decorating course just for people starting out, or for those who want to have a good foundation in cake decorating. It shows my entire method of ‘building’ a decorated cake.
You can find that course here:  Cake Decorating Fundamentals

I’ve also got two other courses you might like:
Cake Planning and Timeline Course Plus The Ultimate Cake Project Planner
Fondant Ruffles Free Mini Course

Blogging Questions:

Can I use a photo or recipe from your blog on my website?
If you’re a blogger and want to use one of my photos for a round up post, feel free to do so as long as you give credit with a link back to that specific post on my blog.

I work really hard to create my recipes, photograph them and write the posts. Please do not copy and paste my recipe onto your website or social media page. It’s acceptable to use a photo (unaltered) with a link back to my post that contains the recipe.

Can I guest post on your blog?
I’m not accepting any guest posts, but thank you for asking!

Is blogging your full time job?
No. I LOVE blogging and baking, but I also have a full time job as a law librarian. Blogging is a LOT of work. There are many hats to wear like baker, photographer, graphic designer, writer etc., but it really allows me to connect with my creative side and to be honest, that’s my favorite part of the day.

What camera do you use?
I use a Canon 70D. I love it because it’s got a flip out screen. I’m saving up to buy a Canon 6D although that may take me ages. 😉

What camera lenses do you use?
I use a Canon 24mm lens mostly for overhead shots or videos and a 50mm lens for everything else. I’m hoping to get a 60mm soon.

Personal Questions:
If you’re interested in some personal stuff, I’ve got 20 random things about me on my about page. (You’ll get to read about how I almost died one day and you’ll never guess what from.)
To read those, go here: About Me