Description
Make a smooth, fluffy, and tangy cream cheese frosting quickly. This recipe yields a stable icing perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon 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 soft for piping, chill it for 10 to 15 minutes before using. If it is too stiff, add 1 teaspoon of milk or cream and beat briefly.
Notes
- For the smoothest texture, ensure both the butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
- Sifting the powdered sugar removes any dry clumps before mixing.
- If you need a slightly tangier flavor, substitute 1 tablespoon of the vanilla extract with fresh lemon juice.
- This frosting holds its shape well for piping if kept cool.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 45
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 46
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 65