Small Batch Buttercream Frosting
- Michelle Finethy
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
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Recipe Rundown
All the most important stuff in this chart below for TLDR (too long, didn't read).
After, Jump straight to the recipe for this small batch buttercream frosting.
Taste | Buttercream frosting will adopt the taste of whichever extract you use! Try substituting the vanilla extract for other flavored extracts to truly customize your baked items! |
Texture | Whipping the butter fully and sifting the powdered sugar are critical steps for a super creamy buttercream frosting. |
Color | For a whiter appearance, use clear flavored extracts. |
Quantity | This recipe will fill one piping bag |
Ingredients For Small Batch Buttercream Frosting
Scaling This Recipe for More Frosting
The great news about this recipe, is that it is perfectly scalable into mixing larger batches. For every stick of butter, you'll need 2 cups of powdered sugar. I hate the idea of wasted food, so I generally mix small batches of frosting from the start. This recipe was able to cover 2 loaves of pumpkin bread generously. If your doing piping, I'd t least double this recipe. You'll be surprised how much frosting you can fit on single cupcake!
Common Mistakes When Making Small Batch Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream is dreamy when it’s smooth and fluffy, but sometimes it doesn’t quite cooperate. From being too runny to turning grainy, little issues can pop up along the way. Below are quick fixes for common problems, and for a full in-depth walkthrough, check out my detailed buttercream troubleshooting guide.
Custom Flavor Variations
Changing the flavor of your small batch buttercream frosting is so simple! Instead of using vanilla extract, try one of these delicious flavors to compliment your baked good better! Maple Buttercream Frosting on a warm Cinnamon Spiced Carrot Cake sounds so good! Would Banana Buttercream frosting be too much for Banana Bread? One way to find out! 😋
Everyone needs a go-to recipe for buttercream frosting and this is mine! It is a super creamy frosting with a flavor base that is incredibly versatile. Use this recipe to elevate your baked goods today!
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, beat one stick of unsalted butter with the paddle attachment until creamed. This generally takes 10-15 minutes. When the butter turns a pale yellow with a light and fluffy appearance, this is your cue to stop and move onto step two .
Once the butter is whipped, sift in 2 cups of powdered sugar and return to mixing on a medium speed. the butter and sugar will start off clumpy but will quickly form into a creamier mixture that we are all more familiar with.
Lastly, add in in your teaspoon of extract. This recipe is for a classic buttercream frosting so we used vanilla extract.
💡TIP💡 If your frosting is still a little too thick, add in 1/8 teaspoon of milk or water. Not everyone will need this because it will vary based on the temperature of your home. A warmer setting will yield a creamy frosting right away. Cooler temperatures, like inside the fridge, will firm your frosting right up!
How Long Does Buttercream Frosting Last?
Homemade buttercream frosting lasts up to 2 days at room temperature, about a week in the refrigerator, and up to 3 months in the freezer when stored in an airtight container. Let refrigerated or frozen buttercream come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Equipment Needed
Technically speaking, no special equipment is needed for this recipe you can use a fork and a bowl just fine Since this is for a small batch. If you find yourself mixing large batches ... well I would suggest getting an electric mixer to save yourself from the arm workout that comes with mixing all this sugar!
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