Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

This Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. It’s a classic favorite that pairs beautifully with cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 to 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or lemon juice)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the cream cheese and softened butter in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract or lemon juice and lemon zest if using, then mix until incorporated.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the salt and powdered sugar a little at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue beating on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the frosting too soft.

Tips & Variations

• For a citrus twist, substitute vanilla extract with fresh lemon juice and add a teaspoon of lemon zest.
• If the frosting is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before using to firm up.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, even texture without lumps.

Storage

Store the cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting up to five days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it warm to room temperature and stir before spreading.

What if my frosting is too runny?

If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it slightly.

Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

This Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting recipe delivers a smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet topping ideal for cakes, cupcakes, and desserts. Combining rich cream cheese and butter with a touch of vanilla or lemon, it creates a versatile frosting that is fluffy yet stable, balancing sweetness and tanginess beautifully.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Enough frosting for a 9-inch cake or about 24 cupcakes
• Category: Frosting
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Frosting Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 to 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or lemon juice and lemon zest as an alternative)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare base mixture: Combine the cream cheese and softened butter in a mixing bowl. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Add flavoring: Mix in the vanilla extract or, if preferred, lemon juice and lemon zest for a citrus twist. This adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
3. Incorporate powdered sugar and salt: Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt a little at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate everything evenly. Continue beating on medium speed until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing as it can affect the texture.
4. Storage: Transfer the frosting to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip if necessary for the best texture.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
• Adjust the powdered sugar amount based on your sweetness preference and desired consistency.
• For a zestier flavor, substitute vanilla with lemon juice and add lemon zest.
• Do not overbeat the frosting to prevent it from becoming too soft and losing structure.
• Store refrigerated in an airtight container and rewhip before use if it has been stored.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Frosting, Homemade Frosting, Cake Frosting, Cupcake Frosting, Cream Cheese Buttercream