Cream Cheese Frosting

5 from 1 vote

The best Cream Cheese Frosting recipe that's perfectly tangy, sweet, and ready to put on cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, and cookies!

Prep Time7 mins

Total Time7 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 270kcal

Author: Lauren Allen

Cost: $3.20

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese , softened
½ cup butter , softened*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth, about 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla.
Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. For best results, beat frosting for several minutes, to make it extra smooth and fluffy/creamy in texture.
Use to frost cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

Notes

For thicker frosting: Add additional powdered sugar, or if you want it even
stiffer without making it sweeter, add a little cornstarch (start with just one
small spoonful at a time).

For thinner frosting: Add a splash of milk (regular, evaporated, or heavy
cream).

Yield: This recipe makes about 3 cups of frosting; perfect for frosting a 9x13’’ pan
or 12-18 cupcakes.

2 layer cake: 1.5 the frosting recipe
3 layer cake: double the recipe.

Butter: if using unsalted butter, add a small pinch of salt to the frosting.

Flavor Variations

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: add 1/3 cup cocoa powder
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: Use softened vegan butter and vegan cream cheese.

Make Ahead Instructions: Make according to directions and place covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Remove from refrigerator and allow to soften for 20-30 minutes before using.

Freezing Instructions: Place prepared frosting in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and allow 20-30 minutes to soften at room temperature before using.

Nutrition