Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Tangy, smooth, and perfectly balanced with sweetness, cream cheese frosting is a timeless favorite that elevates any dessert. Whip up our easy, bakery-worthy version in just 15 minutes and transform your cakes and cupcakes into irresistible treats.

• Level: Easy
• Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (Serving Size: 1 of 8 servings): Calories 269, Total Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 31 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugar 30 g, Protein 1 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Sodium 47 mg
• Total: 15 min
• Prep: 15 min

While buttercream is classic, cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tangy twist and velvety texture using just a handful of pantry staples. Follow our pro tips and foolproof recipe to create frosting you'll crave on every bake.

Ingredients in Our Cream Cheese Frosting

• Butter: Use unsalted butter (ideal for baking unless specified). Cream cheese balances the sweetness naturallyno added salt needed.
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient! Opt for full-fat, block-style for superior richness and stability.
• Powdered sugar: (Confectioners' sugar) Finely ground to dissolve seamlessly into a lump-free frosting.
• Vanilla extract: Amplifies every flavor, making your desserts sing.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting Like a Pro

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Mix in the vanilla extract until creamy and perfect for piping or spreading.

• Choose full-fat cream cheese (block form)skip spreadable or low-fat types, which add excess water and make frosting runny.
• Soften butter and cream cheese to room temperature for lump-free blending, but avoid over-softening to prevent runniness.
• Sift powdered sugar for piping to eliminate lumps; chill the frosted bag for 20 minutes for sharp designs.

When to Use Cream Cheese Frosting Instead of Buttercream

Swap it in for overly sweet buttercream on rich desserts like red velvet, carrot cake, or fruit flavorsits subtle tang cuts through sugar for balanced bliss.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting Thicker

If too thin (especially on warm days), add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds peaks. Our recipe nails the texture, but adjust as needed for pro results.

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to be Refrigerated?

Yesstore like cream cheese to avoid spoilage. For serving, let desserts sit at room temperature 30 minutes to soften the frosting's dreamy texture.

What to Do with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pair its tangy richness with spiced favorites like carrot cake, red velvet, pumpkin treats, or banana bread. It shines on berry cupcakes or citrus cakes too. Experiment boldly, or prep ahead for sheet cakes at gatheringsyour guests will rave!