Description
This cream cheese frosting is smooth, tangy, and perfectly sweet. Ideal for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, it’s easy to make and forgiving for beginners. With just a few simple ingredients—cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla—it’s a versatile frosting that elevates any dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups (360–480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1–2 tsp milk or cream (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
- Let cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Beat butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using, and blend until smooth.
- Adjust consistency with milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, if needed.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- For vegan frosting, use plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- Add flavor extracts like almond, maple, or lemon for variety.
- Frosting can be frozen for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12–16
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg