Description
You need this easy cream cheese frosting recipe! It creates a smooth, fluffy texture that is perfectly tangy, not too sweet, and holds its shape well for piping on cakes, cupcakes, or spreading on 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, or use a large bowl with a hand mixer. Beat them together on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix briefly to combine.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. This step is key to preventing lumps.
- If the frosting seems too thin, add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. If you prefer a tangier flavor or a slightly stiffer consistency for piping, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of additional powdered sugar.
- Use immediately on your favorite 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.
- To make this frosting pipeable for decorating, beat it for a full 3 minutes on medium-high speed after all sugar is added.
- If you are making this ahead, store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip it briefly before using.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg