What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade cream cheese frosting is a total game-changer for your desserts—it’s rich, creamy, and super easy to make.
- Perfectly balanced flavor: The tanginess of cream cheese blends beautifully with sweet powdered sugar, creating a frosting that’s not too sweet.
- Versatile and foolproof: Spread it on cakes, cupcakes, or cookies—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick and approachable: With just a few pantry staples and a mixer, you’ll have a silky frosting ready in minutes.
Recipe
Indulge in the creamy, tangy goodness of homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies, this simple recipe guarantees a silky-smooth texture and irresistible flavor. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, then increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Use immediately to frost your favorite desserts, or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes:
- Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or cream to reach your desired texture.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Makes enough frosting for 12 cupcakes or a 9×13-inch cake.
Nutrition
This cream cheese frosting is rich and creamy, perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes. It contains a balance of fats and sugars, making it a sweet indulgence.
| Nutrition | Per Serving (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Total Carbs | 11g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 1g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade cream cheese frosting with classic carrot cake—it’s a match made in dessert heaven. You can also try it on red velvet cupcakes or cinnamon rolls for a sweet, tangy twist. Don’t forget to drizzle it over brownies or serve it with fruit slices for a lighter treat!
Perfect Cake Pairings
When I’m making cream cheese frosting, I always think about what cake will let it shine its brightest. For me, a classic vanilla sponge is a go-to—its light, fluffy texture balances the rich, tangy frosting perfectly. Carrot cake is another winner—the warm spices and moist crumb pair beautifully with the creamy topping. If I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll bake a red velvet cake; its slight cocoa flavor and vibrant color make it a showstopper. Sometimes, I even use it on banana bread or pumpkin loaf for a cozy, comforting treat. Each cake brings out something special in the frosting!
Ideal Dessert Matches
Cream cheese frosting doesn’t just belong on cakes—though it’s heavenly there—because it can turn so many desserts into something extra special. Try it on cinnamon rolls for a sweet, tangy twist, or slather it between layers of carrot cake for classic perfection. It’s divine on red velvet cupcakes, but don’t stop there—dollop it onto pumpkin bread or drizzle it over banana muffins. Even simple sugar cookies get a gourmet upgrade with a swipe of this frosting. The creamy richness balances spicy, sweet, or nutty flavors, making it my go-to for elevating everyday treats. Trust me, once you start pairing it, you won’t want to stop.
