Calculating Buttercream Quantities

What buttercream quantities will I need to cover an 8" square, 4" deep cake?
Thanks Liz

How to apply wedding cake icing and marzipan

Simple wedding cake decorations

Ask the expert

Answer:

For a normal 8” square cake you will need 2 1/2 quantities of buttercream (700g = one quantity).

700g for sandwiching the 2 halves together and 1.050 kg of buttercream for covering the cake.

Here is a nice recipe for a 700g quantity of buttercream.

700g butter cream recipe
200g (7oz) unsalted butter at room temperature
500g (1lb 2oz) icing sugar
2 tsps vanilla extract
Small amount of milk or water

Beat the butter until it is light and fluffy.
Now slowly sift the icing sugar into the butter, beating as you add it.
To get a spreadable but still firm mixture slowly add the vanilla extract and a little milk or water a bit at a time and mix until it is has the right consistency.

Good luck!