Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The tanginess of the cream cheese paired with the sweetness of the powdered sugar creates a flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
• Customizable Consistency: Whether you need a soft, spreadable frosting or a firmer one for piping, this recipe gives you the flexibility to adjust based on your needs.
• Quick & Simple: With just 10 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, it’s perfect for when you need a delicious frosting in a hurry.
• Great for Any Occasion: This frosting pairs wonderfully with many types of cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3-6 tablespoons (42-84 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar (you can add more if desired)
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
   In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fully combined. It’s okay if the mixture appears a little crumbly at this stage.
2. Add Powdered Sugar
   Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, beating until fully incorporated. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add a little extra sugar, but be careful not to over-sweeten.
3. Incorporate Salt and Vanilla
   Beat in the salt and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust Consistency
   If the frosting is already soft enough for your needs, it’s ready to use! Frost your cakes or cupcakes right away.

   If you’d like a firmer frosting, refrigerate it for about 1 hour, stirring after 30 minutes. Don’t let it chill too long, as it will firm up and resemble the texture of a cream cheese tart filling. If this happens, just let it come to room temperature before frosting.

Storage

• Storage: Keep any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• When Using on Cake or Cupcakes: If you’ve frosted a cake or cupcakes, store them in the fridge as well. The frosting firms up when chilled, so if you want the softer texture, let the cake or cupcakes come to room temperature before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Consistency Adjustments: For a softer frosting (perfect for slathering), use 3 tablespoons of butter. For a firmer consistency, ideal for piping, use 6 tablespoons of butter.
• Piping Tips: If you plan to pipe the frosting, 6 tablespoons of butter will make it easier to pipe intricate designs or decorations.
• Using Different Cream Cheese: If you live outside of North America and have the type of cream cheese sold in plastic tubs (typically for spreading on toast), you may need to adjust the texture. Use 450 grams of cream cheese and place it in the center of a cheesecloth. Wring out the excess liquid until you have about 340 grams of cream cheese left to use in this recipe.
• Add More Sweetness: You can increase the powdered sugar if you prefer your frosting to be sweeter, but keep in mind that the balance between sweetness and cream cheese flavor is what makes this frosting so good.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this frosting in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare this frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using it for best texture.

Q: Can I use this frosting on cookies?
A: Absolutely! This frosting works wonderfully on cookies, especially soft ones like sugar cookies or snickerdoodles. Just make sure to let the frosting firm up a bit if you’re planning to stack the cookies.

Q: How can I pipe this frosting?
A: If you want to pipe the frosting, make sure to use 6 tablespoons of butter for a firmer consistency. You can also chill it slightly for easier piping.

Q: Can I add flavors or colors to this frosting?
A: Yes! You can add different extracts (such as almond or lemon) or food coloring to customize the flavor and appearance of your frosting.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 tablespoons)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Sugar: 5g

This Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet with a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Whether you’re decorating a cake for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a simple dessert, this frosting is a must-try.