Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Description
The Maple Cream Cheese Frosting recipe blends softened unsalted butter and full-fat cream cheese until very smooth. Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while vanilla extract and fine sea salt enhance the flavor depth. A teaspoon of lemon or orange juice provides a subtle citrus note that cuts through the richness. The frosting is beaten until light and fluffy, creating a texture that's easy to spread. If needed, chilling briefly firms the frosting to a desirable consistency. This recipe yields about 1½ cups of frosting.
It works particularly well on cakes, cupcakes, or muffins that complement the maple and cream cheese flavor, such as carrot, pumpkin, or sweet potato baked goods. Its balance of sweetness and tang can brighten the overall dessert profile without overwhelming it.
For best results, ensure the butter and cream cheese are brought to room temperature but not too warm to avoid lumps. Scrape down the bowl frequently during mixing for even blending. Maple syrup can be swapped with honey or agave to vary sweetness. Using citrus juice extracted from oranges pairs well with orange-hued baked goods for complementary flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter 42g, room temperature
- 1 cup cream cheese 227g, full-fat, room temperature
- 4 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (84g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt fine sea salt
- lemon juice about 1 teaspoon, or orange juice, a squeeze
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer with the whisk attachment or with a large bowl and handheld mixer, beat butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until very smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon/orange juice. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl halfway through.
- If needed, chill for 10 minutes in the fridge to stiffen slightly to a spreadable consistency.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are at cool room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing.
- Scrape down the mixing bowl sides during beating to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- For orange or similarly flavored baked goods, use orange juice for a complementary citrus note.
- Maple syrup can be replaced by equal amounts of honey or agave for a different sweetener profile.
- Chill the frosting briefly if a firmer, spreadable consistency is desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings (1 1/2 cups)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 149 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 149kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 43mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 178mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 39mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 512IU | 10% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.