Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
Make a smooth, fluffy, and tangy cream cheese frosting quickly. This recipe yields a stable topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and 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 for spreading, 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 frosting cakes or spreading over cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter to prevent lumps.
- Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture for the smoothest texture.
- For a tangier flavor, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly or add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
- To make the frosting pipeable, ensure you use the lower end of the powdered sugar range (3 cups) and mix until stiff peaks form.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 65