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Home » Basics

Simple Cream Cheese Frosting

Published: Feb 2, 2023 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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Creamy and delicious homemade cream cheese frosting is so easy to make and tastes way better than the store-bought. Best part is it has endless uses.
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Cream cheese frosting is the go to frosting for many classic desserts. Carrot cake, pumpkin and red velvet bundt 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.

Piping some cream cheese frosting on a bowl.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • 💡Tips
  • 🧺 Storage
  • 💬 FAQs
  • 📣 Related Recipes
  • Cream cheese frosting

❤️ Why You'll Love It

  • A very simple recipe using only 4 ingredients.
  • Quick to make in few minutes.
  • 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

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.

Recipe ingredients on a counter top.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of three images showing how to make cream cheese frosting.
  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese on medium speed until well combined.
  2. Add vanilla, a dash of salt and beat again until mixed.
  3. Gradually mix in the confectioner’s sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

💡Tips

  • Start with 2 ½ cups of confectioner’s sugar then add up to 4 cups depending on how stiff and sweet you need your frosting to be.
  • 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’re like it to be yet do not want to add more sugar, you can refrigerate the frosting in the piping bag for about 30 minutes.

🧺 Storage

  • Leftover cream cheese frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Cream cheese frosting can also be frozen for up to 3 months, defrost in the fridge.
Red velvet cupcakes on a dark surface frosted with cream cheese frosting.

💬 FAQs

How long does cream cheese frosting last in the refrigerator?

Place cream cheese frosting in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 months.

Is frosting better with butter or Crisco?

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

  • 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.

I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

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A small blue ball with cream cheese frosting.

Cream cheese frosting

Creamy and delicious homemade cream cheese frosting is so easy to make and tastes way better than the store-bought. Best part is it has endless uses.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3 cups
Calories: 279kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 8 ounces block cream cheese room temperature.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 ½ - 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 ½ cups of confectioner’s sugar then add up to 4 cups depending on how stiff and sweet you need your frosting to be.
  • 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’re like it to be yet do not want to add more sugar, you can refrigerate the frosting in the piping bag for about 30 minutes.
  • Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 275g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 12mg | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 959IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.01mg
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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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