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Home » Recipes » Condiments and Kitchen Basics

Cream Cheese Frosting

Published: Jan 11, 2023 · Modified: Feb 28, 2024 by Tristin Rieken · Leave a Comment

Cream Cheese Frosting that is super creamy and not too sweet with a lightly tart flavor that’s a great compliment to desserts and baked goods.

Cream Cheese Frosting that is super creamy and not too sweet with a lightly tart flavor that's a great compliment to desserts and baked goods. cream cheese frosting | cream cheese frosting recipe
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  • Ingredients
  • How to make
  • How to use
  • How to store
  • 📖 Recipe

Ingredients

This classic homemade frosting recipe made from simple ingredients spreads smoothly and is perfect for piping, decorating and frosting cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more!

It’s an easy cream cheese frosting made from simply room temperature cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract and confectioners’ sugar.

Cream Cheese Frosting that is super creamy and not too sweet with a lightly tart flavor that's a great compliment to desserts and baked goods. cream cheese frosting | cream cheese frosting recipe
  • Cream cheese – use regular full fat cream cheese (sold in 8 ounce blocks) because whipped or reduced fat will not yield a smooth, creamy frosting. American neufchatel cheese, which is very similar to American cream cheese but just a little lower in fat, can be substituted for cream cheese in a pinch. Or try frosting made with Italian mascarpone cheese which is smooth and creamy but not quite as tangy.
  • Butter – unsalted butter allows you to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe. But you can also use salted butter instead and simply add salt to taste rather than adding in the amount specified in the recipe.
  • Confectioners sugar or powdered sugar – called icing sugar in the UK. To make frosing without powdered sugar check out this recipe for Fluffy Whipped Frosting. Or make your own powdered sugar by finely grinding granulated sugar until super fine and powdery in a high powered blender or food processor.
  • Vanilla extract – vanilla extract adds an extra hint of flavor and aroma. But it also changes the color from bright white to a creamy off white colored frosting. For bright white frosting you can omit vanilla extract. Or feel free to substitute for another flavor or extract. Like spiced rum or even try adding lemon juice and lemon zest or orange zest and juice.
  • Salt – add a pinch of salt if using unsalted butter.
Cream Cheese Frosting that is super creamy and not too sweet with a lightly tart flavor that's a great compliment to desserts and baked goods. cream cheese frosting | cream cheese frosting recipe

How to make

  1. Whip softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Either with a stand mixer or you can make frosting by hand in a bowl with a whisk. Just make sure that whatever method you use the butter and cream cheese are completely smooth and blended before adding any other ingredients.
  2. Once smooth add vanilla extract, confectioners sugar and salt and whip on low speed until fully incorporated.
  3. Increase speed to high and continue whipping until frosting is light and fluffy.
  4. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. Frosting will thicken when refrigerated making it very easy to pipe on cookies and cakes.
  5. Enjoy!
Swirls of cream cheese icing in a bowl and aso on a whisk.

If frosting is runny simply beat in additional confectioners’ sugar until thick. Alternately if cream cheese frosting is too thick continue whipping until light and fluffy. Or add a teaspoon of heavy cream to lighten.

If frosting is lumpy or grainy with chunky pieces it’s because the cream cheese and butter were not whipped well enough before adding the vanilla and sugar. Make sure that your ingredients are room temperature and softened before whipping to make the smoothest frosting.

How to use

Use Cream Cheese Frosting for carrot cake, banana cake , red velvet cake, gingerbread loaf, blueberry scones, pumpkin scones, sugar cookies, etc.

Coconut Carrot Sheet Cake is a moist carrot cake recipe made with coconut oil and cream cheese icing. Cut into squares it's the perfect snacking cake or cake for a crowd. carrot cake | carrot cake recipe with cream cheese frosting

Use as cinnamon roll icing.

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with sweet spiced chai filling topped with a thick, luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. cinnamon rolls | cinnamon roll recipe | cinnamon roll icing | chai cinnamon rolls

Or serve as a dip for strawberries and other fresh fruit.

To make a thinner icing for drizzling over baked goods like pumpkin scones simply add heavy cream (or milk) until you reach the desired consistency.

How to store

Refrigerate cream cheese frosting until ready to use up to 14 days. The frosting will thicken in the fridge. Let sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours to soften and make it easier to spread before using. Or microwave in short intervals to warm slightly.

The USDA recommends cream cheese be stored refrigerated and not left at room temperature for longer than two hours.

📖 Recipe

Homemade cream cheese icing in a bowl and on an icing spatula.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting that is super creamy and not too sweet with a lightly tart flavor that's a great compliment to desserts and baked goods.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 1 hour hour
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 262kcal
Author: Tristin Rieken

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 ¼ cups confectioners sugar about 1 pound

Instructions

  • Whip softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, 8 oz cream cheese
  • Once smooth add vanilla extract, salt and confectioners sugar. Whip on low speed until fully incorporated.
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 ¼ cups confectioners sugar
  • Increase speed to high and continue whipping until frosting is light and fluffy.
  • Transfer to an airtight storage container and store refrigerated until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 29mg | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.04mg
Made this recipe? Please share!Mention @freshflavorful or tag #FreshFlavorfulLife
Nutrition Facts
Cream Cheese Frosting
Amount Per Serving
Calories 262 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 39mg13%
Sodium 61mg3%
Potassium 29mg1%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Sugar 33g37%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 490IU10%
Calcium 21mg2%
Iron 0.04mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Hi, I'm Tristin Rieken, Welcome to Fresh Flavorful where I hope to inspire you with simple seasonal recipes and ideas to eat deliciously, entertain easily and adventure often.

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