Description
This easy and classic cream cheese frosting recipe is perfectly sweet and tangy, making it an ideal topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bars, and more. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this smooth and creamy frosting enhances any dessert with rich flavor and a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, full-fat, block-style, softened slightly
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, more for a stiffer frosting, sifted if lumpy
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and room temperature butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Adjust consistency and flavor: For a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until the desired thickness is reached. Taste the frosting and add a pinch of sea salt if needed to balance the sweetness.
- Store properly: Transfer the frosting to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days until ready to use. Before frosting your dessert, allow it to come to room temperature for easier spreading.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Low-fat versions can result in a runny frosting.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted to ensure a smooth frosting without lumps.
- If your powdered sugar is lumpy, sift it before adding to prevent grainy texture in the frosting.
- This frosting can be tinted with food coloring if desired for decorating purposes.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes, though this may slightly alter texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
