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Cream Cheese Frosting
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Creamy, rich, and tangy, this cream cheese frosting is the perfect recipe to add to cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It’s just the right thing to top any dessert you are making from scratch.
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Always a crowd-favorite, cream cheese frosting is an easy recipe made with just 6 simple ingredients. Use this tangy treat as a topping for all of your favorite baked confections.
Nothing says “I love you” quite like home-baked goods. The tangy cream cheese flavor is the perfect balance of flavors and just the right thing to frost all kinds of treats from carrot cake to red velvet cookies.
Cakes, cupcakes, and cookies are all better when they are smothered in creamy, delicious frosting. This simple recipe shows you how easy it is to make your own delicious frosting that is the perfect texture for all of your homemade confections.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Butter - unsalted butter
- Sugar - powdered sugar
- Cream - heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
If your frosting is a little too loose for your preference, then you can add additional powdered sugar, but I would start with just a ¼ cup at a time until you reach your desired thickness. If it is too stiff, you can loosen it up by adding a little extra heavy cream to it.
I would start with just a splash (about 1 teaspoon), then mix it, and if that does not get you to your desired consistency, you can add an additional teaspoon.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
FIRST STEP: Start this recipe by adding the room-temperature cream cheese block and the room-temperature unsalted butter to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
SECOND STEP: Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
THIRD STEP: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter and cream cheese and beat until fully incorporated.
FOURTH STEP: Add the sifted powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed. Continue to add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until all the powdered sugar has been added and your mixture is thick and smooth.
How do I prevent lumps in my frosting?
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t end up with lumps in your creamy frosting. We also recommend sticking with full-fat cream cheese for this recipe. A low-fat or fat-free version will not give you the creamy and thick consistency you want.
Can I make this basic cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
This homemade recipe freezes really well and can be kept in the freezer for up to one month, ready to use when you are. This classic recipe can also be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
How do I get the best appearance for my frosting?
Be sure that your cupcakes are cool before frosting them, or your frosting will melt right off the top.
How to Store Cream Cheese Frosting
IN THE FRIDGE: You can store this frosting for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To ensure the freshness of your frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep cream cheese-frosted items refrigerated and only allow them to sit at room temperature for a maximum of 1-2 hours to maintain taste and prevent spoilage.
For the best flavor and texture, allow the frosting to return to room temperature before enjoying your deliciously frosted treats.
IN THE FREEZER: Freeze the homemade frosting for up to 1 month until you are ready to use it. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.
Cream Cheese Frosting
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
- You can make your frosting by adding the room-temperature cream cheese block and the room-temperature unsalted butter to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter for 2 to 3 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter and cream cheese and beat until fully incorporated.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed. Continue to add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until all the powdered sugar has been added and your cream cheese frosting is thick and smooth.
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