Cream Cheese Frosting
This Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate dessert topping. With softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar, it whips up thick, smooth, and perfectly balanced. I use it on everything from layer cakes to cupcakes, and it adds the perfect finishing touch every time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extra
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese and butter to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and whip on high speed for 5-7 minutes or until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Pour in the sugar, vanilla, and salt and whip at low speed until incorporated and then turn the speed to high and whip until it is completely combined and smooth.
- Ice a cake, pipe onto some cupcakes, or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
I highly recommend for making this cream cheese frosting is to let the cream cheese and butter sit out at room temperature for about one to two hours before you start. When you give the cream cheese and butter enough time to soften, the frosting turns out incredibly smooth and easy to whip. That little bit of patience always pays off.
Try it all cream cheese: If you like a stronger cream cheese flavor, you can skip the butter and use all cream cheese. I’ve done this when I want a tangier frosting.
Thicker option: When I need the frosting to hold its shape more, I mix in 1 or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch while whipping. It firms up nicely without changing the flavor.
Sift if needed: If I’m using hand beaters, I like to sift the powdered sugar first. It helps everything blend more smoothly and keeps the frosting lump-free.
Thin it out: If the frosting feels too thick, I just add a splash of milk.
Make-Ahead: You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time.
How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. You can freeze this covered for up to 3 months. When thawing you may need to re-whip.
Nutrition
Calories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 97mgPotassium: 22mgSugar: 26gVitamin A: 368IUCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg