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How do I keep colored buttercream from darkening or lightening while the finished cake is on display?

Babette - from South Lake Tahoe, CA

All icing colors will change slightly after it has been mixed and as the decorated cake sits. Colored buttercream icing intensifies or darkens about 1-2 hours after mixing. Royal icing requires more color than buttercream icing to achieve the same color intensity. Also, sunlight and UV light will alter the color of icing, so keep your cakes out of direct sunlight.


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The Public Television cake decorating show providing easy projects for special celebrations. Not intended to replace instructional classes.