Description
This creamy and fluffy cream cheese frosting is perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups (420–480 g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soften the Ingredients: Start with softened cream cheese and butter. This is key. If they are too cold, you will end up with lumps. I usually leave them on the counter for about an hour. They should feel soft to the touch but not melted.
- Beat Until Smooth: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything blends evenly.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt. These small additions deepen the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed at first so it doesn’t puff into the air. Increase to medium speed as it incorporates. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Whip for Extra Fluffiness: Beat for an additional 1–2 minutes to create that airy, bakery-style texture that makes this Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistible.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker consistency for piping, add closer to 4 cups of powdered sugar.
- For a softer, more spreadable frosting, stay closer to 3 1/2 cups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: no-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg