Cream cheese frosting is a sweet, tangy, and creamy topping made primarily from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s a popular choice for topping cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts, especially carrot cake and red velvet cake
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
To make cream cheese frosting, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2-4 cups (240-480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Follow these steps to make perfect cream cheese frosting:
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth
- Add the softened butter and beat until well combined and creamy
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a mess
- Mix in vanilla extract and salt (if using)
- Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the best results:
- Use full-fat brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable kind
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth texture
- Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your frosting
- Don’t overmix, as this can lead to a runny consistency
- If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before using
Variations and Uses
Cream cheese frosting is versatile and can be flavored with various ingredients like lemon juice, cocoa powder, or fruit purees. It’s perfect for:
- Topping cakes and cupcakes
- Filling sandwich cookies
- Frosting cinnamon rolls
- Dipping fruit
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to make delicious cream cheese frosting that’s perfect for your favorite desserts.
