Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
Classic Cream Cheese Frosting is a timeless baking essential known for its smooth texture, creamy consistency, and perfectly balanced sweetness. Made with simple ingredients like butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, this frosting pairs beautifully with cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and more. Easy to customize in sweetness and thickness, it’s a must-have recipe for every home baker.
Servings: 16 cupcakes
- ½ cup 1 stick salted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3 –4 cups powdered sugar adjust to taste and consistency
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the vanilla extract and beat on high speed until the frosting is light, smooth, and fluffy.
Adjust consistency with additional powdered sugar if needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
-
Use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if preferred
-
Add a teaspoon of lemon juice for extra tang
Make-Ahead
-
Store frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
-
Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using
Serving Variations
-
Pipe onto cupcakes or spread on layer cakes
-
Use as a filling for sandwich cookies
Avoid Mistakes
-
Make sure butter and cream cheese are fully softened to avoid lumps
-
Don’t overmix after adding sugar or frosting may become too loose