Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
Make a smooth, fluffy, and perfectly balanced cream cheese frosting that is easy to whip up and holds its shape well for piping.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 3 cups
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the softened butter and softened cream cheese in a large mixing 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.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- 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 fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick for spreading, add 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it is too soft, chill for 15 minutes before using.
- Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.
Notes
- For a lump-free frosting, ensure both your butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
- Sifting the powdered sugar removes small clumps before mixing, which helps achieve a smoother final texture.
- If you want a tangier flavor, substitute 1 tablespoon of the vanilla extract with fresh lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 42
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 43
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 75