The Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, Tangy, and Perfect for Piping
This recipe gives you a smooth, creamy, and perfectly tangy homemade cream cheese frosting that holds its shape for decorating cakes and cinnamon rolls. It is quick to make and uses simple ingredients for a reliable result.
- Prep Time: 8 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 8 min
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Do not overmix once fully combined.
- Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls. If the frosting seems too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before piping.
Notes
- For the smoothest texture, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at true room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
- If you need a thicker frosting for piping, add 1/4 cup more powdered sugar or chill the finished frosting for 15 minutes.
- This frosting is excellent on carrot cake and red velvet cake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg