Stiff Consistency: Best for dimensional decorations that need to retain their shape when piped, this consistency is generally used for piping upright petals for flowers. If you find that your frosting decorations are drooping, try adjusting your frosting to stiff consistency.

Use the Wilton Buttercream Frosting recipe.

Medium Consistency: The most versatile of the three, medium consistency is used for borders such as stars, dots and shells, as well as other decorations that will remain relatively flat.

Begin with the Wilton Buttercream Frosting recipe. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid (light corn syrup, milk or water) for each cup of stiff frosting.

For pure white frosting, add up to 2 tablespoons of liquid.

Thin Consistency: Used for lines, printing and also for frosting a cake. If you are making a buttercream intended for writing, use light corn syrup as your liquid. Writing will flow easily and won't break.

Begin with the Wilton Buttercream Frosting recipe. Add 2 teaspoons of liquid (light corn syrup, milk or water) for each cup of buttercream frosting.

For pure white frosting, add up to 4 tablespoons of liquid.