Description
This homemade cream cheese frosting is a rich, smooth, and tangy topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, this frosting balances creamy texture and sweetness, offering a versatile finish that can be easily thinned or stiffened to suit your decorating needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and salted butter. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Continue to beat the frosting until it is creamy, smooth, and fully combined. If the frosting becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Adjust Consistency (Optional): For a thinner frosting, beat longer or add a little milk or cream. For a stiffer frosting suitable for piping, refrigerate the frosting for 15-30 minutes or mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before use.
Notes
- Stiffer Frosting: Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes or add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for more stability, ideal for piping.
- Yield: This recipe makes about 3 cups of frosting, enough for 1 dozen cupcakes or a 2-layer cake.
- Make Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Before using, let it rest at room temperature and beat again for smoothness.
- Freezing: This frosting can be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature, then beat well before use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
