Indulge your sweet tooth with our Easy Cream Cheese Frosting. This heavenly frosting is simple to make and produces a creamy delight that complements a wide array of treats, from strawberries and pumpkin to carrot cake, chocolate, cookies, and red velvet – a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.

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.

Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Servings: Enough for 24 cupcakes or a 9×13 cake

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (227g) brick-style cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• Stand mixer whisk

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 adding more powdered sugar gradually, approximately 2 tablespoons at a time.
7. For a thicker consistency without added sweetness, consider incorporating cornstarch.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a stand mixer bowl or medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, butter, and salt.
2. Beat on low speed until blended.
3. Increase speed to medium and beat until well-blended and fluffy.
4. Beat in vanilla.
5. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, ensuring smoothness.
6. Use immediately or refrigerate, covered, for up to three days. Allow it to soften at room temperature before use.

Other Frosting Recipes you may Like:

• Easy Strawberry Frosting Recipe – JUST 3 Ingredients

Expert Tips:

For optimal results, stick to full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter. Ensure both are at room temperature for a lump-free texture. Sift powdered sugar when piping, and adjust thickness with caution by adding more sugar gradually. Consider using cornstarch for added thickness without extra sweetness.

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.

We love it on cakes, our strawberry cream cheese cookies (from a cake mix), hummingbird cake and so much more.

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. Too Sweet:
   • Issue: Excessive powdered sugar.
   • Solution: Adjust sweetness by adding less powdered sugar, or balance with a pinch of salt.
5. 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.
6. Separation:
   • Issue: Ingredients not properly emulsified.
   • Solution: Slowly incorporate ingredients, and avoid overmixing. If separation occurs, refrigerate and re-mix.
7. Unpleasant Odor/Taste:
   • Issue: Ingredients past their prime or low-quality.
   • Solution: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and check expiration dates.
8. Color Variation:
   • Issue: Butter or cream cheese with added colors.
   • Solution: Choose unsalted butter and natural cream cheese to maintain the desired frosting color.
9. Difficulty Spreading:
   • Issue: Too cold from refrigeration.
   • Solution: Allow the frosting to come to room temperature before spreading.
10. 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.