How do you make buttercream frosting with only one cup of confectioners sugar?

You can make a delicious and workable buttercream frosting with only one cup of confectioners' sugar, but you'll need to adjust the recipe accordingly to keep the consistency right. Here's how:

Recipe for 1-Cup Confectioners' Sugar Buttercream:

Ingredients:

* 1 cup confectioners' sugar (sifted)

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

* 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or other flavoring)

Instructions:

1. Soften Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature and soft enough to easily cream with a mixer.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Liquids: Gradually add the milk (or cream) a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. You may not need all 2 tablespoons, depending on the moisture of your butter and the desired consistency.

4. Flavor: Add your desired flavoring (vanilla extract, almond extract, etc.) and mix until well combined.

5. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon or two of sifted confectioners' sugar.

6. Use Immediately: This frosting is best used immediately, as it tends to harden quickly.

Tips:

* Sifting: Sifting your confectioners' sugar eliminates lumps and makes the frosting smoother.

* Room Temperature Butter: Using softened butter is crucial for achieving a creamy texture.

* Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make the frosting tough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are well combined.

* Customization: Feel free to add other flavors like cocoa powder for chocolate buttercream, or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

This recipe yields a smaller amount of frosting. You can double or triple the recipe if needed.

Enjoy your simple and delicious buttercream frosting!