Description
Cream Cheese Frosting is a smooth, tangy, and creamy frosting that elevates cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and desserts. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it offers a perfect balance of rich and bright flavors, customizable texture, and versatility, making it an essential addition to any baker’s repertoire.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Soften the Ingredients: Begin by allowing the cream cheese and unsalted butter to reach room temperature. This step ensures the ingredients blend smoothly without lumps, resulting in a velvety texture easy to spread or pipe.
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar in batches, mixing well after each addition to maintain a light, fluffy texture without any gritty bits.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then continue to beat until the frosting is fully combined and perfectly smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it. For thicker frosting suitable for piping, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before use.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture; low-fat versions may be runnier.
- Keep all ingredients at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Sift powdered sugar to prevent clumps and ensure smoothness.
- Avoid overbeating to prevent the frosting from becoming runny.
- Chill frosting before decorating to help hold piped shapes.
- Store frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze frosting up to 3 months; thaw overnight and re-whip before use.
- Do not microwave frosting; bring to room temperature naturally and beat lightly to restore texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 40g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg