What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade cream cheese frosting is incredibly easy to make and adds the perfect touch to any baked treat. You’ll love how versatile and delicious it is—whether you’re topping cupcakes, cakes, or even cookies, it’s always a hit. It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, saving you a trip to the store. The balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet powdered sugar creates a flavor that’s rich but not overly sweet. Plus, it’s smooth and creamy, making it a dream to spread or pipe onto your desserts. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Recipe
This creamy and rich homemade cream cheese frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other baked treats. It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and delivers a smooth, tangy, and sweet flavor.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes:
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- For a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Enough to frost 12 cupcakes or one 9×13-inch cake.
Nutrition
This creamy frosting is rich and delicious, but also high in calories and fat.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (1 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 30mg |
| Total Carbs | 8g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Protein | 1g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade cream cheese frosting with classic cupcakes and cakes, but it’s also amazing with fresh fruit or even cookies. Try it on carrot cake or swirl it onto red velvet cupcakes for a treat that’s hard to resist. Don’t forget to dip strawberries or graham crackers in it for a quick, sweet snack!
Cupcakes and Cakes
Homemade cream cheese frosting is a game-changer for cupcakes and cakes, turning simple desserts into something extra special. I love how it pairs perfectly with vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, adding a rich, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness. For cakes, it’s my go-to topping, especially on carrot cake or red velvet—it just feels classic. The creamy texture makes spreading easy, and it holds its shape beautifully when piped. Whether I’m celebrating a birthday or just treating myself, this frosting elevates every bite. I’ve found that even store-bought mixes taste fancier with a dollop of homemade cream cheese frosting.
Fruit and Cookies
A bowl of fresh fruit and a plate of warm cookies make the perfect pairing—it’s like sunshine and a cozy blanket in dessert form. I love how fresh berries or sliced oranges balance the sweetness of cream cheese frosting, adding a burst of flavor. Pairing it with soft, chewy cookies takes it to another level—I’m talking about chocolate chip, oatmeal, or even snickerdoodles. The warm cookies melt the frosting slightly, creating a gooey, irresistible treat. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels indulgent without being overwhelming. Try it; it’s a combo that’ll make any dessert spread feel complete.
