Cream Cheese Frosting

This cream cheese frosting is rich, creamy, and super easy to make. It pipes perfectly, and is perfect for cupcakes, cookies, and cakes!

Why I Love Cream Cheese Frosting

• You only need 4 ingredients and it takes less than 10 minutes to make. So much better than store-bought!
• This recipe makes enough to frost 16-18 cupcakes or an entire 9×13 cake.
• A bunch of American classics like red velvet cupcakes, banana cake, and carrot cake, are all frosted with cream cheese frosting.
• Although cream cheese frosting is usually white or cream color, you can add food coloring to turn it a different color.
• It’s smooth, tangy, and absolutely delicious! You can really taste the cream cheese and it isn’t overly sweet like other frostings.

Ingredient Notes

• Cream Cheese – It’s really important that you use an 8-ounce full-fat block of cream cheese. Not the spreadable cream cheese that comes in a tub.
• Unsalted Butter – Softened at room temperature. Unsalted pure Irish butter is highly recommended.
• Vanilla Extract – Vanilla bean paste or extract will work! Avoid immitation vanilla.

How To Make

1. Cream the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1 minute.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for about 20 seconds, then scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl using a rubber spatula. Mix on high speed for 3-4 minutes or until the frosting is nice and fluffy.

Top Tip

Although I don’t think this frosting is overly sweet, feel free to add a pinch of salt or 1 tsp of lemon juice to cut down on the sweetness.

How Can I Make My Frosting Thicker?

Simply place the frosting in the refrigerator or add some cornstarch. Adding cornstarch won’t change the taste.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure you place it in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Once refrigerated, the frosting will thicken and be a little tough to work with so let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before using it.

Why Is My Frosting Lumpy?

This will only happen if you use cold butter or cold cream cheese. If you use softened cream cheese and butter you will have the smoothest frosting ever!

Why Is It Runny?

You didn’t add enough powdered sugar! Add extra powdered sugar to thicken the frosting.

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