Easy Small Batch Vanilla Buttercream
Knowing how to make a small batch of vanilla buttercream is such a game changer! If you need just a bit of frosting for a few cupcakes or to sandwich in-between cookies, this recipe is my absolute favorite. With just a few basic ingredients, you'll have a super flavorful, silky, and buttery frosting in about 10 minutes. It's so good!
Equipment
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Ingredients
- 60 grams unsalted butter, softened (¼ cup)
- 120 grams powdered sugar, divided (1 cup)
- Pinch of Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 ½ teaspoons extract
- 2 teaspoons whole milk
Instructions
- Add the unsalted butter, 60 grams (½ cup) of the powdered sugar, and a pinch of Kosher salt to a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whip attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy. It may be a little crumbly at first, but if you keep mixing, it'll eventually come together!
- Add the remaining 60 grams (½ cup) of powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, and milk to the frosting. Beat until everything is well-combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl 2-3 times in-between.
- Turn the mixer to medium-high and beat the buttercream for another 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is very silky, fluffy, and lightened in color. Store in an airtight container for later or use it on cupcakes, cookies, cake, etc.
Notes
If the buttercream is too thick, add more milk ½ teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Or, if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar 8 grams (1 Tablespoon) at a time.
This recipe makes roughly ¾-1 cup of frosting, which is enough for 6 cupcakes or a small sheet cake.
Nutrition
Serving: 2TablespoonsCalories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 0gFat: 8gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 9mgPotassium: 6mgFiber: 0gSugar: 20gVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!