Better Buttercream (DVD + Streaming)

Start with how to make pillowy meringue as you whip up simple Swiss and dreamy Italian meringue buttercreams. Next, create a super-rich French buttercream that’s perfect as a filling. You’ll also discover the secrets for coloring your buttercream with confidence and creating mouthwatering flavors from everyday ingredients. Then, you’ll see how to level, tort, dam, fill, and crumb coat your cakes. With your cake prepared, Erica will teach you how to smooth buttercream, for flawless icing that creates beautiful sides and a super-sharp top edge. Plus, find out how to show off your cakes with a beautiful pinstripe buttercream technique, fun rustic textures, or gorgeous metallic finishes.

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Italian Meringue Buttercream (26:33)
Prefer to make a more stable buttercream? Erica shares her techniques for whipping up pillowy Italian meringue. Learn how to perfect the timing needed to create the signature stiff peaks, then discover simple ways to achieve the perfect color so you can customize cakes for any occasion.

French Buttercream (15:38)
Learn the secret to making a decadent French buttercream filling that will be the talk of the party! With Erica’s guidance, you’ll see how to achieve consistently silky, smooth results. Plus, find out which simple ingredients can add delightful flavors to your buttercream.

Flavoring (26:20)
Gain confidence flavoring your icings and fillings. Erica offers in-depth instruction on infusing a variety of flavors into your buttercreams using liqueurs, juice, sweet treats, fresh fruits and more. In addition, you’ll learn how to create a delicious jam, perfect for coloring and flavoring any type of buttercream.

Layering & Crumb Coating (25:47)
Once you’ve made your buttercream, it’s time to frost your cake! First, Erica shares a simple method for constructing custom-sized cake boards. Then, practice piping an icing dam and adding buttercream filling to achieve even cake layers. You’ll also learn a trusty technique for applying a perfect crumb coat.

Creating a Clean Finish (21:17)
See how to create a perfectly smooth buttercream finish on your cakes. Erica shares a handy tool that will ensure clean, straight sides. Plus, find out how to achieve a sharp top edge for professional-looking results!

Amazing Textures (33:30)
Embellish your cakes with gorgeous textures that will wow partygoers. Watch and learn Erica’s techniques for creating a variety of effects ranging from festive pinstripes to rustic finishes. You’ll also learn how to add a little bling to your buttercream with amazing metallic looks.

Erica discovered cake decorating quite by accident in 1995 and quickly fell in love with the art. After moving to California in 2006, Erica began designing cakes full time and quickly gained national recognition. In 2011, she moved to Connecticut where her business, Erica O’Brien Cake Design, continues to grow. Today, Erica’s designs have been featured in Brides Magazine, The Knot and many others as well as on many noteworthy blogs. She lives with her husband and two spunky, cake-loving daughters.

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.