Cake Math can be difficult. Calculating the size of your cake and the amount of frosting you need, and find the right recipe to match, can quickly become exhausting and confusing.
But we are here to make your life easier! First, use the chart below to determine how much frosting you need for the amount of cake or cupcakes you will be decorating. Need a specific recipe? Go to the next chart, which gives recipe yields so you can choose the right frosting for you.
And, of course, you can always double or triple a frosting recipe (or halve it) to accommodate your needs – die to use Coffee FrostingBut you need to decorate clocking cupcakes 4 dozen chocolate? Just double it.
Photography by Rical Holbrook; Food stealing by Caitlin Wayne
Becker's advice: We always recommend to reach the side of too much frosting, instead of too small. It will make your life easier and provide more space for error while decorating. And if you have left windows, they can be frozen for the next time you make a cake. To do this, move to a freezer storage bag, press to eliminate air and seal tightly; Frozen frosting will stop, frozen, for up to three months. Allow to be overnight in the refrigerator before using.
| Frosting Amount | Cake * | Cupcakes ** |
| 1 1/2 cups | One-layer cake | 1 dozen cupcakes |
| 2 1/2 cups to 2 3/4 cups | 9 “x 13” cake | 15 to 18 cupcakes |
| 3 cups | 9 “x 13” cake | 18 to 24 cupcakes |
| 3 1/2 cups to 4 cups | 2-layer cake | 2 dozen cupcakes |
| 4 1/2 cups | 2-layer cake | 24 to 30 cupcakes |
| 5 cups to 5 1/2 cups | 3-layer cake | 30-36 cupcakes |
| 6 cups | 4-layer cake | 3 dozupcakes |
| 7 cups | Two 2-layer cakes One 9 “x 13” layer cake |
4 dozen cupcakes |
* Unless different specified, refers to an 8 “or 9” round cake
** about 2 Tablesaproons Frosting per Cupcake
Becker's advice: For bigger batches of frosting, such as recipes that yield 6 or 7 cups, be careful doubling the recipe depending on your mixer start at 4.5 quarts). For their large batches of frosting, We recommend using an Ankarsru Stone Mixer – which can deal with 7.4 quartz
Now that you have your frosting covered, brush up on your decorating skills with the below resources:
Cover photo (Chocolate Ermine Frosting) By Rick Holbrook; Food styling through Caitlin Wine.