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This cream cheese frosting is my go-to frosting for everything from carrot cake to red velvet to simple snack cakes. It spreads beautifully, pipes well, and always gets compliments, no matter what you pair it with.
Whether you’re frosting a carrot cake, a batch of cupcakes, or even cinnamon rolls, this version comes together quickly and always tastes delicious. It’s simple, reliable, and works with just about anything that needs a creamy finishing touch.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Perfect texture. Soft, creamy, and easy to spread or pipe.
Reliable every time. Simple ingredients and dependable results.
Versatile. Works on cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, or anything needing a sweet, tangy finish.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the frosting its signature richness; make sure it’s softened.
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter makes the frosting smooth and fluffy.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and flavor—use real vanilla if possible.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Adjust the amount for a softer or stiffer frosting depending on how you’ll use it.
Steps to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the softened butter and salt; mix until fully blended.
- Add half the confectioners’ sugar and blend on low.
- Add the remaining sugar and blend until incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla, then beat on medium until smooth and creamy.
Tips
- Start with fully softened cream cheese and butter for the smoothest texture.
- For piping, add a bit more confectioners’ sugar to stiffen the frosting.
- Beat on low when adding sugar to avoid a sugar cloud.
- If the frosting becomes too soft, chill for 10 to 15 minutes before using.
Recipe Variations
- Citrus twist. Add lemon, orange, or lime zest.
- Cinnamon frosting. Stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Almond version. Replace half the vanilla with almond extract.
- Maple cream cheese. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread over cakes, cupcakes, or bars.
- Add to cinnamon rolls for a bakery-style finish.
- Pair with carrot cake, banana cake, zucchini bread, or pumpkin treats.
- Choose to pipe rosettes or borders for a decorative look.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat/Soften: Let stand at room temperature for 20–30 minutes and re-whip if needed.
Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and beat briefly before using.
How to Soften Cream Cheese
- Softening a block of cream cheese at room temperature takes an 1 hour, but there are faster ways to do it.
- Microwave: Unwrap the cream cheese and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 15 seconds, then in bursts of 10 seconds until it feels softened when you poke the center.
- Countertop: Unwrap the cream cheese and dice it into 1-inch cubes. Place it on a plate, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it stand for about 30 minutes.
- Hot Water: Leave the cream cheese in its foil wrapping and place it in a bowl of hot tap water. Let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅛ tsp fine salt
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 4 to 4 ½ cups confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth; beat in the butter, salt, and vanilla until well blended.8 ounces cream cheese | 1/2 cup unsalted butter | 1/8 tsp fine salt | 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Add about half of the confectioners' sugar and beat on low until blended. Beat in the remaining confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, until you have a good spreading consistency.4 to 4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
