Ultimate homemade cream cheese frosting. Luscious and velvety with a unique tang contrasting the sweetness is what makes this simple frosting the perfect pairing with red velvet, carrot cake and cinnamon rolls. Undoubtedly, it’s the magical addition to your sweet treats.
Why I Love This Frosting
In my opinion, the elegant swirls of frosting is the prettiest way to transform your favorite cakes and cupcakes. Rich, velvety and a little sweet, it adds the right amount of magic to cute desserts. And once you master the technique to whip up the perfect frosting, you don’t even need a recipe - block of cream cheese, touch of butter, dusting with powdered sugar, a dash of vanilla and a pinch of salt creates the beautiful swirls.
This is the recipe you need if you love frosting your cakes and cupcakes, or you just like to eat it straight from the bowl. To be exact, I’m talking about the bakery-style fancy frosting, but homemade from scratch with real ingredients. Without a doubt, the cream cheese swirls with the right amount of sweetness and flavored with vanilla is heavenly. Here’s how to whip up a sweet moment with this easy frosting recipe.
Key Ingredients In Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese - Bring to room temperature for the perfect consistency.
- Butter - Adds the richness and texture.
- Sugar - Powdered or icing sugar that melts into the frosting.
- Vanilla extract - For flavor.
- Milk - To play around with the consistency.
- Salt - The contrasting touch that brightens the other flavors.
How To Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep the ingredients - Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. I highly recommend using an electric mixer to do the whipping. Milk is optional and is necessary only if the frosting is too thick.
Whip the frosting - Start with whipping together cream cheese and butter. Once fluffy, add in the remaining ingredients and whip to form soft peaks. Add milk if the frosting is too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I customize with more flavors? Yes. Add lemon zest, cocoa powder or almond extract.
How to freeze frosting? You can freeze the frosting for about 2 months. Before piping, simply thaw in refrigerator and re-whip.
Any tips for perfect frosting? One, do not overwhip. Again, use full-fat ingredients.
The Ultimate Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g cream cheese, softened
- 120 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups powdered (icing) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat together cream cheese and butter for about 2 minutes or until fluffy.
- Add sugar, vanilla extract, milk and salt. Beat again until combined.
Video
Notes
- How to use - To frost, red velvet, cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, banana bread, pumpkin muffins.
Nutrition
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Sienna says
My favorite frosting, sometimes I also add a teaspoon of lemon zest.
Janine says
Fantastic make-ahead frosting, love it.
Jill says
Simple, quick, and it tastes amazing. A firm favorite here with homemade banana bread.
Mandy says
Perfect swirls, now I'm craving carrot cake with cream cheese frosting!
salma says