Essential Concepts
How much cream cheese frosting you need depends on surface area and finish: allow 1½ to 2 cups for 12 cupcakes, 3 to 4 cups for 24 cupcakes, about 5 cups for a two-layer cake, or 2½ to 3 cups for a 9 × 13-inch cake top. See [cake pan sizes](/cake-pan-sizes/) and [how to frost cupcakes](/how-to-frost-cupcakes/) for related guidance.
