Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
How to make the creamiest, smoothest, fluffiest cream cheese frosting.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Salted Butter (softened)
- (1) 8-ounce pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
- 3 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar *
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter: Let the cream cheese and butter come to room temperature for easy blending.
- Whip the Butter and Cream Cheese: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and fluffy (about 3 minutes). This step ensures a light and creamy frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 2-3 minutes for a light, fluffy texture. Stir in vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
- Taste and Adjust: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Storage covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
*For a less sweet cream cheese frosting, you may use 3 - 3 1/4 cups of powdered sugar.
If you want a thinner cream cheese frosting, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of heavy cream or whole milk.
Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated because it contains dairy. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before using. See the blog post for answers to frequently asked questions such as, "can I pipe with cream cheese frosting?" or "how to thicken cream cheese frosting?"
Yes. Cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated because it contains dairy. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before using. See the blog post for answers to frequently asked questions such as, "can I pipe with cream cheese frosting?" or "how to thicken cream cheese frosting?"