Sometimes you want a cupcake without making a dozen of them. This buttercream frosting for two cupcakes gives you a small batch of classic vanilla frosting in about five minutes, with no mixer to wash afterward.
I first made it to go with Jessica’s Vanilla Cupcakes for Two, and I’ve kept the recipe around for every time I want a little homemade frosting without a full batch. It uses the four basics of American buttercream: butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
For a bigger batch, try my homemade buttercream frosting. If you’re making just one dessert, you can divide this recipe in half to top my yellow mug cake.
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Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Let it soften to room temperature so you can mix it easily with a fork. You want soft butter, not melted butter.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting. It’s also called confectioners’ sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Gives the buttercream its classic vanilla flavor.
- Milk: A small amount helps bring the frosting together. Start with the recipe amount before adding any more.
See the recipe card below for measurements.
How to Make Buttercream Frosting for Two Cupcakes
- Smooth the butter. Add the softened butter to a small bowl and mash it with a fork until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar. Stir it into the butter a little at a time. The mixture may look crumbly at first; keep mixing until it comes together.
- Add the vanilla and milk. Stir until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Scrape the sides of the bowl to work in any remaining sugar.
- Frost the cupcakes. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, divide the frosting between them and spread it with the back of a spoon or a small spatula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try my homemade buttercream frosting recipe. It's enough for about a dozen cupcakes. Usually, I'm the type of person who takes shortcuts in the kitchen, but homemade buttercream is 100 percent WORTH IT. After making this recipe for so many years, I would never go back to pre-made frosting in a jar. I'll use it every now and then for decorative/food-craft type projects, but not when flavor is on the line.
Normally when I make buttercream frosting, I use a hand mixer or a stand mixer which whips it up with air. Mixing it by hand, you'll never achieve quite the same consistency. Plus, normally I'd pipe on frosting which gives it a nice appearance, but with this small quantity, spooning/spreading is really the only viable option. But it's equally delicious. I promise. Just make sure everything is well-mixed and don't add too much milk.
Behind the Recipe
When I tried Jessica’s cupcakes for two years ago, I needed a frosting recipe too. A full batch of buttercream was far more than I needed, so I scaled it down.
Back in college, I made a lot of cupcakes for a blog I wrote with my roommate called What Tasty Food. I shared them at work until even my coworkers had had enough. These days, I appreciate a recipe that makes exactly the amount I’m in the mood for.
📖 Recipe
Buttercream Frosting for Two Cupcakes
Video
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon milk
Instructions
- Mix softened butter in a small bowl with a fork until smooth
- Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing until it is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Divide between two completely cooled cupcakes and spread with the back of a spoon.
anonononomoose says
Don’t call me weird, but I was craving frosting. Like, plain frosting. So I made this for myself and this was delicious. I just split it in half.
Kelsey Smith says
Judgment free zone!
Elana Howard says
Simple and delicious.
Theresa says
Thanks for this recipe. So many variations you can do sticking to the same ratios.
I made a nice smooth frosting by blending with a fork and then using a hand blender for a silky perfect frosting.
I make cupcakes and freeze and then make frosting as needed. Nice for single servings!
Alexis says
Do you think I could add some lemon to this for flavor? How iuch would you recommend? Thanks
Kelsey Smith says
Absolutely. Start with a 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon. You can also add a little lemon zest.
HS says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! I only came over to see the frosting, but your video tutorial is really well made and helpful; expect me checking out your channel on YouTube! I'm a baking fanatic and I love simple recipes. This hit the spot!
Lots of love,
HS
Sarah says
I loved this recipe! It was super easy to make, quick, and was super delicious! 🙂
Kelsey Smith says
Very happy to hear this recipe worked well for you!!
Kelsey Smith says
You'll have to tell me how it turns out!