Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese Frosting is the unsung hero of the baking world. Rich, creamy, and slightly tangy, it’s the perfect topping for desserts. Loved for its silky-smooth texture and balanced flavor, this frosting is a go-to for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Whether you’re topping a batch of cupcakes or finishing a layered cake, this simple yet decadent Cream Cheese Frosting never fails to impress.

This frosting combines three kitchen staples—cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar—into a luscious spread that’s creamy and sweet in all the right ways. Plus, its slightly tangy flavor cuts through the richness of many desserts, offering a refreshing contrast.

It’s incredibly easy to make and versatile enough to pair with a wide range of baked goods, such as Easy Chocolate Cupcakes and St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes. It’s also crazy good on my Tropical Carrot Cake and Orange Cupcakes (below).

Making Cream Cheese Frosting

Start by making sure your cream cheese and butter have been softened, or brought to room temperature.

Add the cream cheese and butter to a large bowl. Using hand held beaters or a stand mixer, beat on MEDIUM until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides as needed.

Next, reduce the speed to LOW and gradually add the powdered sugar. As that is mixing, add the vanilla and salt.

Once the powdered sugar has been incorporated, increase the speed again to MEDIUM-HIGH. Whip the frosting up until it’s light and fluffy, then you’re ready to frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting holds its shape well, making it ideal for decorating cakes and cupcakes. For spreading the frosting on, the four cups of powdered sugar is great.

If you plan on piping it on, however, for pretty shapes or flowers, you may want to add the extra cup of powdered sugar.

More specifically, you need to test the frosting’s consistency. For piping, it should be thick enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to flow through the piping tip.

If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, or try chilling it in the refrigerator first. If it’s too thick, add a small amount of milk or water to thin it out.

Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance it out.

When in doubt, don’t worry about it. It’s going to taste great, and that’s what really matters.

Frosting, Frosting, and more Frosting

Looking for more frosting recipe ideas? I’ve got a few to check out, or you can enter “frosting” in the search bar.

• Salted Caramel Frosting
• Marshmallow Fluff Frosting
• Any Flavor Pudding Frosting
• Brown Butter Frosting
• Cherry Cloud Frosting

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Cream Cheese Frosting

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