An easy recipe for cream cheese frosting made with four simple ingredients and ready in just a few minutes. This frosting pipes well and can be used on a variety of delicacies!
Today’s topic is cream cheese frosting, one of the greatest frostings in the world. I’ve shared various ways to utilize this frosting over the years, but I thought it deserved its own article since it’s one of my personal favorites!
One of the reasons I love this cream cheese frosting recipe is because it pairs well with so many different desserts. It is not simply that, but it is also:
- Incredibly easy to make
- Made with just 4 ingredients
- Super delicious!
I’m also sharing tons of helpful tips on how to ensure that this frosting turns out perfect for you. This is without a doubt the greatest cream cheese frosting you’ve ever had!
Recipe Ingredients
To make this frosting you’ll need some cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Let’s go through each of these components:
- Cream Cheese: For this recipe, be sure to use brick-style cream cheese. You want to avoid the containers of cream cheese spread because they have ingredients added to thin them out, which will make your frosting runny. I also recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the finest results.
- Unsalted Butter: As is customary for me, I used unsalted butter in this recipe. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use that instead.
- Powdered Sugar: This helps to thicken the frosting and sweeten it.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: To give the icing some taste. I highly recommend sticking with pure vanilla extract instead of imitation.
How To Make Cream Cheese Frosting
To make this homemade cream cheese frosting, you’ll start by adding your softened cream cheese to a mixing bowl and mixing it until it’s smooth. Next, whisk in the softened butter until the cream cheese and butter are well blended.
The powdered sugar and vanilla extract will be added next, and the frosting will be smooth and creamy after everything is completely blended. I recommend stopping to scrape down the sides of your bowl once or twice and mixing again to ensure that everything is thoroughly mixed together.
After the frosting is complete, you can put it on top of almost any dessert or store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
FAQ’s
Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
Since this frosting contains cream cheese, it must be refrigerated. If you need to make the frosting ahead of time, simply mix it together, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 days. Let it to come to room temperature before using and mixing well before icing your dish.
Can you freeze this frosting?
Yes! Freeze the frosting in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and mix well before using it.
How can I thicken my frosting if it’s too soft or runny?
I recommend refrigerating the frosting for 15 to 20 minutes and that should help make it easier to pipe. You may also add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help it thicken.
Can I reduce the amount of powdered sugar?
This recipe’s powdered sugar may be reduced by 1/2 to 1 cup. Just keep in mind that the less powdered sugar that you use, the softer your frosting will be when it’s mixed together.
Baking Tips
- To make this frosting, use a block or brick of cream cheese rather than cream cheese in a tub.
- Let the cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature for approximately an hour. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting!
- This recipe yields about 2 cups, which is enough to frost a dozen cupcakes or a 913 cake. If you’re frosting a layered cake, I recommend multiplying this recipe by 1.5.
Different Ways To Use This Frosting
- Red Velvet Cake
- Banana Cake
- Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Carrot Cake
- Hummingbird Cake
Recipe Video
Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
An quick cream cheese frosting recipe created with four basic ingredients and ready in a matter of minutes. This frosting pipes perfectly and can be used on so many different desserts!
Servings: 2 cups
- 1 (8-ounce) box softened brick type cream cheese
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fully blended and smooth.
- Continue to mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well incorporated, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl as required.
- Cooled cupcakes, cakes, or other delicacies should be piped or frosted.
Storing Instructions: Frosting may be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, place it on the counter to come to room temperature, and mix well before frosting your dessert.
Freezing Instructions: This frosting may be stored in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, and mix well before using it.
Cream Cheese: For this dish, use a block/brick of cream cheese rather than cream cheese spread.
This recipe makes 2 cups cream cheese frosting. You can use this recipe to lightly frost a layered cake, 12 to 14 cupcakes, or a 9×13 cake.
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Related Questions
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What brand of cream cheese is best for frosting?
It’s not anything that thickens much. This isn’t helped by the added water content that you can sometimes see, and sometimes not see inside it. I choose Philadelphia full fat original cream cheese since it works best for me.
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What cream cheese is good for cakes?
Philadelphia is one of the most common sorts and is typically a reliable brand for this product. You may, however, purchase locally or even build your own if you don’t want to utilize a brand name. Creating it yourself may be satisfying, but it is a time-consuming and difficult procedure.
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What is the best type of frosting for cupcakes?
Buttercream
Because of its few ingredients and ease of application, buttercream is the most popular form of frosting. Traditional buttercream is made by beating butter into icing sugar until it reaches the consistency of frosting. It’s not possible to over beat this type of frosting, so the longer you beat fluffier it gets.
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What is cream cheese frosting made of?
Delicious cream cheese frosting made using just butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar. This cream cheese frosting is sweet, tangy, and decadent.