Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 6 votes

Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

How to make the creamiest, smoothest, fluffiest cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time
10 mins
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
  • (1) ounce pkg. cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar *
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter: Let the cream cheese and butter come to room temperature for easy blending.
  2. Whip the Butter and Cream Cheese: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and fluffy (about 3 minutes). This step ensures a light and creamy frosting.
  3. Add Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 2-3 minutes for a light, fluffy texture. Stir in vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
  4. Taste and Adjust: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
  5. Storage covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • *For a less sweet cream cheese frosting, you may use 3 - 3 1/4 cups of powdered sugar.
  • If you want a thinner cream cheese frosting, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of heavy cream or whole milk.
  • Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?Yes. Cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated because it contains dairy. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.
  • See the blog post for answers to frequently asked questions such as, "can I pipe with cream cheese frosting?" or "how to thicken cream cheese frosting?"