Name: The BEST Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 7 min
Total time: 7 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: . Frosting Ingredients; 3/4 stick unsalted butter (at cool room temperature (67°F)*); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted (don't skip sifting!)); 6 ounces cream cheese (completely softened to room temperature (brick-style, not spreadable)); 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract (Link to vanilla paste)

Get ready to elevate your desserts with this deliciously creamy and smooth Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more, this frosting is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make.

Why You'll Love It

This frosting is not only rich and flavorful, but it also has a lovely texture that spreads beautifully. Trust me, you’ll love how it adds a gourmet touch to any treat!

Tips for Perfection

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. And remember, don’t skip sifting the powdered sugar — it makes all the difference!

Ingredients

Frosting Ingredients:
3/4 stick unsalted butter (at cool room temperature (67°F)*)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted (don't skip sifting!))
6 ounces cream cheese (completely softened to room temperature (brick-style, not spreadable))
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract (Link to vanilla paste)

Instructions

Make the Frosting:
Step 1

- Beat Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sifted powdered sugar on low, then gradually increase to medium-high to prevent a sugar cloud. Beat for 3 minutes until smooth. (It may look dry at first, but it will come together like magic!). Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl and paddle, then add the cream cheese and beat on medium-high for 1 minute until fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat for 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl again as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 100, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 10g, Protein: 1g

Cooking techniques

Beating the frosting mixture at different speeds helps incorporate air for a light texture. Make sure to scrape the bowl regularly for even mixing.

Variations or substitutions

For a different flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest or almond extract. You can also swap in different types of sweeteners for a unique taste!

Storage tips

Cream cheese frosting, alone or on cake or cupcakes, can sit at a cool room temperature for up to 8 hours before it should be refrigerated.

The frosting can be made and transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature and re-whip with an electric mixer before using.

Notes

Make sure your cream cheese is the brick-style variety for the best texture!