Description
You need this recipe for the best classic cream cheese frosting! It is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a slight tang. This quick, easy frosting holds its shape well for piping on your favorite cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 ounce) package full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese and softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This step is key for a no lump frosting.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- If the frosting seems too thick for spreading, add 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If you want a pipeable cream cheese frosting that holds sharp edges, keep it slightly stiffer.
- Use immediately to frost your cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- For the smoothest texture, make sure both your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
- If you are making this frosting ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip it briefly before using.
- To adjust the tanginess, you can slightly decrease the amount of powdered sugar or add a tiny splash of lemon juice along with the vanilla.
- This recipe makes enough frosting for one 9-inch layer cake or about 12 to 15 cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 65