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Fluffy cream cheese frosting after mixing with hand mixer.
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5 from 42 votes

Cream Cheese Frosting

Make the best cream cheese frosting with just 4 ingredients! This easy, creamy recipe is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36 cupcakes or (1) 8" or 9" layered cake
Author: Robyn Stone

Ingredients

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages (452 g) cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) butter softened
  • 3 cups (340 g) confectioner's sugar sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 g) vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Soften Ingredients: Ensure ingredients are softened to room temperature to prevent lumps.
  • Cream together: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together with a stand or hand mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth.
  • Add sugar: Sift 3 cups of confectioner’s sugar and add 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed to combine. After each cup, increase to high speed for 10 seconds to lighten.
  • Incorporate vanilla: Add vanilla extract and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.
  • Adjust Consistency: For thinner frosting, add 1 tablespoon heavy cream; for thicker, add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, mixing after each addition.

Notes

Recipe Yield:
This recipe yields just the right amount of frosting to generously frost 36 cupcakes or a 8 to 9-inch 3-layer cake.
This recipe works well to half or double depending on the amount of frosting that you need.
Troubleshooting Tip: 
  • Use only full fat block cream cheese. Do not use cream cheese in tub. 
  • If your frosting is too soft, chill it for 15 minutes before piping
Storage Tips:
To store: Place frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days, but can not be frozen as it will ruin the consistency of the frosting. Desserts topped with this frosting require refrigeration. Store those desserts in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To use: Remove frosting from the refrigerator and add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the frosting and mix with an electric mixer until the frosting returns to a spreadable consistency.
Recipe Variations:
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the recipe for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute dairy cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 23mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

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