Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
User Reviews
5
Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
This frosting starts by softening cream cheese and butter to a pliable consistency, making them easier to blend smoothly. They are beaten together thoroughly to remove lumps and create a creamy base. Powdered sugar is added gradually, with the option to sift it to avoid clumps, and vanilla extract provides aromatic flavor. Lemon juice can be added to brighten the taste, and kosher salt adjusts the balance.
Beating the ingredients well results in a smooth frosting that is easy to spread or pipe. An alternative method to achieve a lighter texture is to first beat butter with some powdered sugar, then incorporate cream cheese gradually. This approach can make the frosting appear whiter and fluffier.
This recipe makes enough frosting to cover about 18 cupcakes, making it suitable for medium-sized cake projects. Softened ingredients and thorough mixing are key for a consistent texture without lumps.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce cream cheese softened, full fat, package
- 1/2 cup butter softened (1 stick)
- 2 & 1/2 cups powdered sugar or up to 4 cups
- 1 teaspoon vanilla good quality
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, fresh
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Soften your cream cheese and butter. You can either do this by leaving it out on the counter for an hour or two, or you can speed up the process by putting it in the microwave at a low power level. I like to put the butter and cream cheese I need on a plate or in a bowl, and then microwave on power level 2 in 30-second increments. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't start to melt. When you can easily push your finger into it, it is soft enough.
- Add the cream cheese and butter to a large bowl or stand mixer.*Beat for about 1-2 minutes, taking the time to scrape the bottom and edges of the bowl, to make sure it is all getting smooth. If you have any lumps in your mixture right now, there will be lumps in your frosting. Make sure you beat until the entire mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add 1 cup powdered sugar and beat together. If it is very clumpy, I recommend sifting it to make sure that you don't end up with powdered sugar lumps in your frosting. Make sure you scrape the bottom and edges.
- Add another cup of powdered sugar and beat well.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. You don't have to use the lemon juice, but I love how it really brings out the tang in the cream cheese. It doesn't make the frosting taste like lemon.
- Add another 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat well.
- Taste your frosting and see what you think. If you are frosting a sheet cake and like the flavor and texture where it's at, leave it as is. If you are piping the frosting onto cupcakes, or using the frosting in a layer cake, you might consider adding more powdered sugar (up to 4 cups total) so that the frosting is more sturdy and will hold up. Remember that the more powdered sugar you add, the less tangy and cream-cheesy your frosting will taste.
- Adjust salt, lemon juice, and vanilla to taste as desired.
Notes
- This recipe yields enough frosting for about 18 cupcakes.
- For a lighter texture, beat butter and some powdered sugar first before gradually adding softened cream cheese, ensuring it is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- Sifting powdered sugar can help prevent clumps in the frosting.
- Adding lemon juice is optional but can brighten the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 664 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 664kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 100g | 33% |
| Protein | 0.3g | 1% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 15mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.003g | 0% |
| Sugar | 98g | 196% |
| Vitamin A | 946IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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