Published on February 22, 2023 by Liz Marek · This post may contain affiliate links · 35 Comments

Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces unsalted butter ((1 cup) softened and slightly warm); 16 ounces cream cheese ((2 cups) softened and slightly warm); 36 ounces powdered sugar ((8 cups) sifted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or orange or lemon extract); 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Cream cheese frosting is one of those classic frosting recipes that never goes out of style. It’s tangy, lightly sweet, fluffy, and the perfect complement to everything from carrot cake and red velvet cake to cinnamon rolls and pumpkin cake.

This homemade cream cheese frosting has that perfect balance of sweetness and tangy cream cheese flavor, spreads beautifully, pipes cleanly, and doesn’t end up runny if you follow a few simple rules. If you’re looking for the best cream cheese frosting that actually works on an entire cake, this is it.

What makes this the best?

I’ve made a lot of buttercream frostings over the years, but cream cheese frosting will always be my favorite frosting for certain cakes. The problem is that it can get runny, grainy, be too thick, too thin, and so on. I've perfected this technique for making the perfect cream cheese frosting so that it's perfectly pipeable every time, never grainy, and the flavors are perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

The key to a great cream cheese frosting is using the right type of cream cheese and making sure everything is at room temperature.

Full-fat brick cream cheese – This provides the tangy cream cheese frosting flavor and structure; avoid tub-style or low-fat cream cheese. I prefer the classic taste of Philadelphia cream cheese.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and stability; make sure it’s softened butter or room temperature butter.
Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; you can add extra confectioners’ sugar if you need a thicker frosting or a crusting cream cheese style frosting.
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth and flavor so the frosting doesn't just taste "sweet".
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting.
Heavy cream (optional) – A little bit can help loosen the frosting if you want a thinner frosting.

How to make cream cheese frosting

This frosting comes together quickly once you have everything prepped and all your ingredients at room temperature! The secret to super smooth cream cheese frosting is to always use the whip attachment on low speed and mix until just combined!

hands adding a bowl of butter into a stand mixer

creamed butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer bowl

Sift your powdered sugar and set it aside.
Add softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. You can also use a large bowl and a hand mixer or electric mixer. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
Add in the softened cream cheese in small pieces while mixing on low until everything is combined.
Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed so it doesn’t puff everywhere. The number of cups of the powdered sugar you use will depend on how sweet and thick you like your frosting.
Add the vanilla extract and pinch of salt, then mix until fluffy frosting forms.
If the frosting feels too thick, add a tad bit of heavy cream. If it’s too soft or edging toward runny cream cheese frosting, add extra powdered sugar a little bit at a time.
Mix just until you reach the right consistency. Overmixing can soften the frosting too much.

Tips & tricks for success

If your kitchen is warm, chill the frosting briefly to help it firm up before frosting a layer cake.
This frosting pipes beautifully with a piping bag and piping tip once it’s chilled slightly.
For chocolate cream cheese frosting, add cocoa powder to taste after the powdered sugar is mixed in.
If you need enough frosting for an entire cake or a double batch for cupcakes, this recipe scales easily.

Storage

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let it come back to room temperature and remix briefly before using.

Final Thoughts

This classic cream cheese frosting is my go-to when I want a frosting that feels special without being fussy. It’s an easy recipe made with simple ingredients, delivers that tangy cream cheese flavor every time, and works for just about any favorite cake. Whether you’re spreading it with a spatula or piping it onto sweet treats, this is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket.

FAQ

Can you add food coloring to this?

Yes you can add food coloring just like you would any other kind of frosting

Can you freeze this?

Yes you can freeze this frosting and thaw it. Re-whip it before use.

Can you make this into chocolate?

Yes you can add in some cocoa powder with the powdered sugar to make it chocolate. I add in about ¼ cup of cocoa powder.

How can I make my cream cheese frosting thicker?

Add in another cup of powdered sugar and a little more butter.

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Cups of Batter Needed

8 cups

Cups of Frosting Needed

5 cups

Note: measurements are estimated based off the vanilla cake recipe using standard US cake pans and sizes. Measurements used are for 2" tall cake pans only. Your results may vary. Do not overfill cake pans above manufacturer's recommended guidelines.

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