This cream cheese frosting is so easy to make and yields a creamy frosting that pairs well with strawberries, pumpkin, carrot cake, chocolate, cookies, red velvet, and anything in between.

It’s drool-worthy. To the point, you may have a hard time not burying every cake, cupcake, and dessert beneath a mountain of this delicious cream cheese frosting. We love it on cakes, our strawberry cream cheese cookies (from a cake mix), hummingbird cake, and so much more.

 

Before we get started, I’d like to share some tips for success when making cream cheese frosting.

Go all out and skip the low-fat cream cheese.

Use the full-fat brick cream cheese.

Do not use whipped cream cheese.

Unsalted butter works best, you’ll be adding salt.

If you don’t have salt, go ahead and use salted butter.

Set your butter and cream cheese out. 

It works best at room temperature, ensuring lump-free, smooth frosting.

If you plan to pipe, it’s always best to sift your powdered sugar to avoid tiny lumps that can clog your piping tips.

If needed you can add more powdered sugar to make your cream cheese frosting even thicker. 

I recommend adding about 2 Tablespoons at a time until the desired thickness is reached. 

Alternatively, you can add cornstarch to make the frosting thicker without making it sweeter.

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Recipe Type: Frosting

Author: Briana

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

8 oz brick-style cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Pinch of salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting 

In a stand mixer bowl or a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and salt.

Beat on low speed until blended.

Increase speed to medium and beat until well-blended and fluffy

Beat in vanilla

Gradually beat in powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating until smooth

Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Let soften and room temperature before using.

Cream Cheese Frosting Tips for Success:

Before diving into the recipe, here are some expert tips for ensuring success when making cream cheese frosting:

1. Opt for full-fat brick cream cheese; avoid low-fat alternatives.
2. Steer clear of whipped cream cheese for the best results.
3. Unsalted butter is recommended, but if unavailable, salted butter is an acceptable alternative.
4. Ensure both butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve a lump-free, smooth consistency.
5. If planning to pipe the frosting, sift powdered sugar to prevent clogs in piping tips.
6. Adjust frosting thickness by gradually adding more powdered sugar, approximately 2 tablespoons.
7. For a thicker consistency without added sweetness, consider incorporating cornstarch.

Recipe FAQs:

Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

A: It’s recommended to use full-fat brick-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.

Q: How long can I refrigerate the frosting?

A: You can refrigerate the frosting for up to three days. Allow it to reach room temperature before using.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

A: Yes, salted butter can be used, but adjust the added salt accordingly in the recipe.

 

Troubleshooting Tips for Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Lumpy Texture:
   • Issue: Ingredients not at room temperature.
   • Solution: Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing.
2. Runny Consistency:
   • Issue: Overmixing or warm kitchen conditions.
   • Solution: Mix ingredients just until combined, and refrigerate the frosting if it becomes too soft.
3. Grainy Frosting:
   • Issue: Insufficient blending of powdered sugar.
   • Solution: Gradually add powdered sugar, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
4. Not Stiff Enough for Piping:
   • Issue: Insufficient powdered sugar or warm temperature.
   • Solution: Add more powdered sugar gradually, and refrigerate the frosting to firm it up.
5. Separation:
   • Issue: Ingredients not properly emulsified.
   • Solution: Slowly incorporate ingredients, and avoid overmixing. If separation occurs, refrigerate and re-mix.
6. Color Variation:
   • Issue: Butter or cream cheese with added colors.
   • Solution: Choose unsalted butter and natural cream cheese to maintain the desired frosting color.
7. Difficulty Spreading:
   • Issue: Too cold from refrigeration.
   • Solution: Allow the frosting to come to room temperature before spreading.
8. Overpowering Cream Cheese Flavor:
   • Issue: Low-quality cream cheese or too much vanilla.
   • Solution: Use high-quality cream cheese and adjust vanilla extract to taste.

Remember, small adjustments and careful attention to the mixing process can help troubleshoot and perfect your cream cheese frosting.

Other Frosting Recipes you may Like:

Easy Strawberry Frosting Recipe–JUST 3 Ingredients

Margarita Frosting Recipe

Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Pineapple Frosting Recipe

Bailey’s Irish Cream Frosting Recipe

Orange Dreamsicle Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Pink Champagne Buttercream Icing Recipe

Root Beer Buttercream Icing Recipe

Tutorials for Frosting:

How to Do a Basket Weave with Frosting

How to Fill A Cake

How to Crumb Coat a Cake