How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Icing

Cream cheese frosting. Just the name conjures up images of decadent cakes and cupcakes, generously swirled with a tangy, sweet cloud of deliciousness. If you’re like me, you believe that the frosting is just as, if not more, important than the cake itself. And when it comes to frosting, cream cheese reigns supreme. While buttercream has its place, there’s something undeniably irresistible about the subtly sweet and tangy flavor of cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements a wide array of baked goods.

This is my family’s absolute favorite cream cheese frosting recipe, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile, sturdy enough for piping, and boasts a flavor that’s far less overwhelmingly sweet than traditional buttercream. Whether you’re topping a classic carrot cake, a rich red velvet creation, or simply want to elevate your everyday cupcakes, this cream cheese icing will become your go-to recipe. I’ve been using this recipe for years, and it delivers perfect results every single time.

What Makes This Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe the Best?

Let’s face it, there are countless cream cheese frosting recipes out there. So, what sets this one apart? It’s all about the perfect balance of ingredients and techniques that result in a frosting that is:

Perfectly Sweet, Not Overpowering: Unlike some buttercream frostings that can be tooth-achingly sweet, this cream cheese frosting offers a delightful sweetness that is balanced by the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Smooth and Lump-Free: Nobody wants gritty frosting. This recipe, with the right tips, guarantees a silky smooth texture that’s a dream to spread or pipe.
Sturdy Enough for Piping and Decorating: This isn’t a runny, gloopy frosting. It’s designed to hold its shape beautifully, making it ideal for piping swirls, rosettes, and other decorative elements on your cakes and cupcakes.
Incredibly Versatile: While it’s famously paired with carrot cake and red velvet, this cream cheese frosting is a fantastic complement to vanilla, chocolate, spice cakes, and so much more.

Key Ingredients for Delicious Cream Cheese Frosting

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create this incredible frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cream Cheese: This is the star of the show! It’s crucial to use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable kind that comes in a tub. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the frosting. Like the cream cheese, the butter needs to be softened to room temperature.
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and helps to create its smooth, stable texture. For the best results, especially if you plan to pipe the frosting, sifting the powdered sugar is recommended to remove any lumps.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the frosting, adding warmth and depth. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for the best flavor.
Salt: A pinch of salt might seem unexpected in frosting, but it actually balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Making this cream cheese frosting is incredibly easy and quick. Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

Soften the Butter and Cream Cheese: Ensure both your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This is crucial for creating a smooth, lump-free frosting. They should be soft enough that you can easily press into them with your finger, but not greasy or melted.
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until they are completely smooth, creamy, and well combined. Beat for a good 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, to ensure there are no lumps.
Add Vanilla Extract and Salt: Pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt. Mix until just combined.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mixing on low speed helps to prevent a powdered sugar cloud! Continue adding powdered sugar until all of it is incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Mix Until Smooth and Creamy: Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-low and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage, as over-mixing can sometimes make the frosting too thin.

Expert Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your cream cheese frosting is absolutely perfect, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Use Full-Fat Brick Cream Cheese: Again, this is essential! Low-fat or spreadable cream cheese will result in a frosting that is too thin and lacks the proper flavor.
Soften Ingredients Properly: Take the time to soften your butter and cream cheese to room temperature. This is the key to a smooth, lump-free frosting. Rushing this step can lead to lumps and an uneven texture.
Sift Your Powdered Sugar (Especially for Piping): If you plan to pipe your frosting, sifting the powdered sugar is highly recommended. This removes any lumps and ensures a smooth frosting that won’t clog your piping tips.
Don’t Over-mix: While you want to ensure the frosting is smooth, be careful not to over-mix it, especially after adding the powdered sugar. Over-mixing can sometimes lead to a thinner frosting. Mix until just combined and smooth.
Taste and Adjust Sweetness: This recipe provides a perfectly balanced sweetness for most palates. However, if you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly. Add it gradually and taste as you go until you reach your desired sweetness.

Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Cream Cheese Frosting Issues

Even with the best recipes, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter with cream cheese frosting and how to fix them:

Frosting is Too Thin:
- Add more powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting reaches your desired thickness.
- Add cornstarch: For a non-sweet thickening option, you can add cornstarch. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed, mixing thoroughly.
- Chill the frosting: If your frosting is only slightly too thin, chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour can help it firm up.
Frosting is Too Thick:
- Add liquid: Add a tiny amount of milk or heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
Frosting is Lumpy:
- Soften ingredients properly: Lumps are often caused by using cold butter or cream cheese. Ensure your ingredients are properly softened next time.
- Beat longer: If you have minor lumps, try beating the frosting for a bit longer to see if they smooth out.
- Strain the powdered sugar: Sifting powdered sugar can prevent lumps from forming in the first place.

Delicious Ways to Use Cream Cheese Frosting

While you might be tempted to eat this frosting straight from the bowl (and who could blame you?), it’s even better when paired with cakes and cupcakes! Here are some classic and creative pairings for your homemade cream cheese frosting:

Classic Pairings:
- Carrot Cake: The quintessential cream cheese frosting pairing! The tangy frosting perfectly complements the spiced sweetness of carrot cake.
- Red Velvet Cake: Another iconic duo. The slight tang of cream cheese frosting balances the rich, chocolatey notes of red velvet cake.
- Spice Cake: Cream cheese frosting is a wonderful match for the warm spices in spice cakes, like gingerbread or pumpkin spice cake.
Other Delicious Options:
- Vanilla Cake or Cupcakes: Elevate simple vanilla cake or cupcakes with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting.
- Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes: While chocolate buttercream is classic, cream cheese frosting offers a delightful tangy contrast to rich chocolate.
- Lemon Cake or Cupcakes: The tanginess of cream cheese frosting complements the bright citrus flavor of lemon cake beautifully.
- Banana Bread or Cake: Take your banana bread or cake to the next level with a layer of cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This is my go-to Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe! With just 5 simple ingredients, you can create a luscious and versatile frosting that’s perfect for cakes and cupcakes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Enough for one 2-layer 8″ or 9″ cake, 24 cupcakes, or 12 generously frosted cupcakes
Calories: 146 kcal per serving
Author: Sam Merritt

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (113g)
8 oz cream cheese, softened (brick-style, not spreadable) (226g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
4 cups powdered sugar* (500g)

Instructions

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add vanilla extract and salt; mix to combine.
Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
Frost cooled cake or cupcakes.

Recipe Notes

Thickness: This recipe creates a sturdy, pipe-able frosting similar in texture to buttercream. For a less sweet frosting, reduce powdered sugar, but use at least 2 cups.
Too Thick Frosting: Thin with a splash of heavy cream or milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency.
*Sifting Powdered Sugar: Recommended, especially for piping with small tips, to remove lumps.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Enjoy Your Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting!

Now you have all the secrets to making the perfect cream cheese frosting! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with cakes and cupcakes topped with this irresistible frosting. Happy baking!