Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
softened at room temperature, 220g
- 16 oz full fat cream cheese
softened to room temperature, use Philadelphia cream cheese for the best results
- 5 cups powdered sugar
600g
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- 1
**See notes for frosting amounts and customizations (how to add chocolate, fruit, brown butter, spices, or color).
- 2
Add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. You can also use a hand mixer.
- 3
Mix on medium to medium-high speed until completely smooth.
- 4
Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl after the 3rd cup.
- 5
After the 5th cup, scrape down the bowl again and mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- 6
If the frosting is too thin, place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to thicken. Otherwise, it’s ready to pipe or spread!
Cream Cheese Frosting
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 7 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Dreaming of the perfect topping for your cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts? Say goodbye to runny, overly sweet frostings and welcome this incredible Cream Cheese Frosting recipe into your baking repertoire. It’s the ultimate secret weapon for creating desserts that look and taste professionally made, delivering that delightful balance of tangy and sweet that everyone craves.
This recipe works because it prioritizes a creamy smooth texture that reliably holds its shape. The key lies in using full fat cream cheese, and specifically, Philadelphia cream cheese is recommended for unparalleled consistency and richness. This careful selection ensures your frosting is not only delicious but also robust enough for beautiful piping and spreading, setting it apart from less stable versions.
What you can expect is a luscious, velvety frosting that melts in your mouth while maintaining its structural integrity. It’s rich without being overly heavy, providing a perfect counterpoint to any baked good. The natural tang of cream cheese beautifully balances the sweetness of powdered sugar, creating an irresistible flavor profile. This frosting is versatile enough to adorn everything from classic carrot cakes to red velvet cupcakes, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor and texture to every bite.
Customization & Variations
Beyond its classic appeal, this frosting is incredibly adaptable, making it a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can easily infuse it with new dimensions of flavor and color to suit any occasion or personal preference:
- For a decadent twist, incorporate chocolate (melted and cooled).
- Add depth with brown butter for a nutty aroma and rich flavor.
- Brighten it up with fruit purees, zest, or finely chopped fruit.
- Introduce warmth with your favorite spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Achieve any aesthetic with food coloring to match your theme.
Perfect for birthday cakes, holiday treats, or simply elevating an everyday dessert, this cream cheese frosting is a versatile staple for any home baker. It’s designed to be the star, enhancing whatever sweet treat it graces with its elegant texture and flavor.