Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
Make a smooth, fluffy, and tangy cream cheese frosting quickly. This recipe yields a stable icing perfect for piping on cakes, cupcakes, or topping cinnamon rolls.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 3 cups
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl using an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides 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 mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it is too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
- Use immediately for spreading or piping.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter to prevent lumps.
- Sifting the powdered sugar is key to achieving a smooth, no-lump texture.
- For a tangier flavor, reduce the vanilla extract slightly.
- If you need a very stiff frosting for detailed piping, use 4 cups of powdered sugar and chill the frosting for 15 minutes before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 55