Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
An easy homemade cream cheese frosting recipe that is smooth, tangy, and perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Quick to make with simple ingredients, it delivers a luscious, crowd-pleasing finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 30 minutes softening time)
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups frosting (approximate for 12 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Remove the cream cheese and butter from the fridge and let them sit out for about 30 minutes until soft but not melted.
- Sift 3 cups (360 grams) of powdered sugar into a bowl to avoid lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup (115 grams) softened unsalted butter with 8 ounces (225 grams) softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and pale.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, blending on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
- After all sugar is added, beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy and holds soft peaks.
- If desired, add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice and mix briefly.
- Adjust consistency if needed: add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Use immediately on cooled cakes or cupcakes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before using chilled frosting, let it soften at room temperature and stir.
Notes
Softening cream cheese and butter properly is key to smooth frosting. Avoid overbeating to prevent runny texture. Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Chill briefly if frosting is too soft. Do not frost warm cakes to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cream cheese frosting, easy frosting recipe, homemade cake frosting, creamy frosting, tangy frosting, simple frosting