What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade cream cheese frosting is a game-changer for your desserts, with its perfect balance of sweetness and tang. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and the results are always dreamy.
- Creamy & fluffy texture—spreads like a dream and holds its shape for piping.
- Just the right sweetness—not overpowering, letting the cream cheese flavor shine.
- Versatile for any treat—perfect on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even eaten by the spoonful!
Recipe
Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, creamy, and versatile topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Its smooth texture and balanced sweetness make it a favorite for bakers of all levels.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
NOTES:
- Confirm the cream cheese and butter are fully softened for easy mixing.
- For a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner consistency, add a teaspoon of milk.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
EQUIPMENT:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
TIME:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
CUISINE:
American
SERVING:
Makes about 3 cups, enough to frost 12 cupcakes or a 9×13 inch cake.
Nutrition
This cream cheese frosting is rich and creamy, perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrates | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | 7g | 4g | 20mg | 85mg | 18g | 17g | 1g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing this cream cheese frosting with classic cakes like carrot or red velvet—it’s a match made in dessert heaven. For something seasonal, try it on pumpkin spice cupcakes in the fall or fresh strawberry shortcakes in the summer. You really can’t go wrong, and I’ve found it adds that perfect tangy-sweet touch to just about anything.
Classic Cakes
When you’re whipping up a batch of cream cheese frosting, it’s hard not to imagine it slathered on something delicious. For me, classic cakes are the perfect match. Picture it spread thickly over a moist carrot cake, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the spices. Or, think about how it transforms a simple vanilla or chocolate cake into something extraordinary. Red velvet cake is another favorite—its rich color and subtle cocoa flavor pair beautifully with the frosting’s creamy richness. I love how it brings out the best in these timeless treats, making every bite feel like a celebration.
Seasonal Treats
Nothing beats the joy of pairing cream cheese frosting with seasonal treats that highlight the best flavors of the year. In the fall, I love spreading it on warm pumpkin muffins or carrot cake cupcakes, which feel cozy and comforting. Winter holidays call for gingerbread cookies or spiced apple bars, where the tangy frosting balances the sweetness. Springtime is perfect for lemon or berry-flavored cakes, creating a revitalizing combo. In summer, I top red velvet whoopie pies or chilled banana bread slices with it for a cool treat. Each season’s flavors shine brighter with cream cheese frosting, making every bite special.
