Cream cheese frosting is the go to frosting for many classic desserts. Carrot cake, pumpkin and red velvet cake are all better topped with this smooth and creamy frosting. Try this 4-ingredient simple cream cheese frosting recipe and you'll never reach for the store bought again.
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❤️ Favorite things about this recipe
- A very simple recipe using only 4 ingredients perfect to frost your cupcakes or a delicious birthday layer cake.
- Quick to make in few minutes, my go-to recipe for frosting many baked goods.
- Great with almost any sort of cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon roll or even for topping your fruit salad.
This creamy cheese frosting recipe has been in my favorites file for probably 15 years now. I've used it on every carrot cake and cinnamon rolls I've made and it has been a hot with my family. It is freezer friendly too.
📝 Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋Ingredient Notes / Variations
- Cream cheese, use a block of good quality full-fat cream cheese frosting such as Philadelphia. Make sure it is at room temperature for a fluffy cream cheese frosting.
- Powdered sugar is a must for this recipe do not use regular granulate sugar.
- Vanilla extract, if possible use non alcoholic one.
- Unsalted butter left for 30-45 minutes outside the fridge. Softened butter is a must to get the perfect consistency.
🥣 Before you begin: essential tools
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- electric hand mixer
- large bowl
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🥄 Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Add cream cheese and butter in a large bowl, then mix using an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Add vanilla and a dash of salt and beat again until mixed.
- On medium-low speed, gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar scrapping the sides of the bowl until you reach the desired consistency.
👍 Let's make the perfect recipe: Amira's tips
- It is important to sift the icing sugar to make sure you won't get a lumpy frosting.
- Start with 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar then check consistency. Add up to 2 more cups, 2 tablespoons at a time and recheck. Note that adding more sugar makes your frosting stiffer and sweeter.
- We will need room temperature butter. Do not leave the butter out for too long as this might make your frosting unnecessarily too soft, 30-45 minutes is a good time frame.
- If you feel that your frosting is softer than what you like but do not want to add more sugar, you can refrigerate the frosting in the piping bag for about 30 minutes.
🧺 How to store leftovers
- Leftover cream cheese frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Take it out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes then whip again before using.
- Cream cheese frosting can also be frozen for up to 1-2 months but I prefer one month. Defrost in the fridge, then take it out for 10-15 minutes then whip again before using.
💬 Your questions answered: FAQs
Place cream cheese frosting in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1-2 months.
Butter gives frosting a delicious desirable buttery taste, however adding shortening provides structure and makes your frosting holds its shape and not melt or separate in warmer temperature.
📣 Related Recipes
- Add a touch of richness to your dessert with this easy 10-minute easy hot fudge sauce recipe. Made with simple pantry ingredients this sauce is decadent over ice cream, brownies and much more.
- Sweet and rich with strawberry flavor this Strawberry Coulis (sauce) is the perfect, quick and easy condiment for your ice cream, cheesecake and more!
- Cherry Sauce is a sweet, thick and syrupy condiment that can be used as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, or as a glaze for any recipe you like.
- Sweet, creamy, and perfect for spreading this Whipped Honey recipe will take your breakfasts and snacks to the next level!
More Frosting Recipes
- Best fluffy marshmallow frosting recipe, easy to make with a handful of ingredients. This is the perfect frosting for cakes and cupcakes.
- Chantilly cream is a delicious and versatile dessert topping that is essential to learn and easy to make at home.
Let me know in the comments below if you made this recipe and loved it!! I always appreciate your feedback.
Simple Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese room temperature.
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 - 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A dash of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese on medium speed until well combined.
- Add vanilla, salt and beat again until mixed.
- Gradually mix in the confectioner’s sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Notes
- Start with 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar then add up to 4 cups depending on how stiff and sweet you need your frosting to be. I usually stop at 2 ½.
- For more tips and for storage check the post above.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Nutrition
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