If you’re looking for a versatile and delicious cream cheese frosting that can be used on all sorts of baked goods, look no further than this easy Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. Cream cheese frosting is a classic favorite that can elevate any dessert to the next level. This fluffy frosting comes out perfect every time, with just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Cream cheese buttercream frosting on the whisk attachment of a stand mixer.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.

Recipe Contents show

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Buttercream Icing Recipe

This a luscious and creamy frosting is perfect for topping cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. The beauty of this frosting is that it can be easily tailored to suit your preferences.

If you prefer a sweeter frosting, simply add more powdered sugar. Or, if you want a tangier flavor, add a bit more cream cheese.

This Cream Cheese Frosting is incredibly easy to make and adds a rich and decadent touch to any dessert. Whether you’re making a carrot cake, red velvet cake, or just want to jazz up some sugar cookies, this frosting is the perfect complement! You might also like this American buttercream recipe.

Cream cheese frosting on red velvet cinnamon rolls

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting That Isn’t Runny

Here are a few tips to get the right frosting consistency that doesn’t result in runny frosting:

Use room temperature ingredients
Don’t over beat the cream cheese
Use equal amounts of butter and cream cheese

Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Softened Butter– You can use either salted or unsalted butter to make this frosting.

Softened Cream Cheese- For the best results, use a full fat block of room temperature cream cheese.

Powdered Sugar– Also known as icing sugar or confectioners’ sugar, this is a standard ingredient to make frosting and will give the frosting it’s structure.

Vanilla Extract- Vanilla will enhance the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting. Use clear vanilla extract to achieve a white frosting. This is available at most local grocery stores.

Milk or Heavy Cream- This is used to thin out the frosting if it is too thick.

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How to Make Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

[1] Begin by placing the room temperature butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment (I like Kitchenaid or Bosch) or mixing bowl and an electric mixer.

[2] Whip the butter for 1-2 minutes.

Butter in a mixing bowl for cream cheese frosting

[3] Add the softened, thawed cream cheese to the bowl and beat for another minute, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Cream cheese and butter for cream cheese frosting

[4] Mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating in between.

Powdered sugar in a bowl to make cream cheese frosting

[5] Add the vanilla extract then whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

[6] If your frosting is too thick, add milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth texture.

Vanilla in a bowl of cream cheese frosting

[7] Serve with your favorite baked goods like cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies!

Cream cheese frosting being piped onto red velvet cinnamon rolls.

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Recipes That Use Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Store and Refrigerate Leftover Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container, covered with plastic wrap, or a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.

You can also freeze cream cheese frosting in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir before use.

How to Bring Cold Cream Cheese Frosting to Room Temperature

If your cream cheese frosting is too cold and thick, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir with a spoon. If it’s still too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to thin it out. Give the sweet frosting a good stir until the desired consistency is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use cream cheese frosting for cupcakes?

Yes, this cream cheese frosting is perfect for cupcakes. You can pipe it on with a piping bag and tip or simply spread it on.

Can I make cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can store cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.

How Much Frosting Does this Classic Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Make?

This recipe makes enough frosting to pipe on 15 – 20 cupcakes. It can also be used to fill and frost an 8 or 9 inch layer cake.

What Kind of Recipes Does Cream Cheese Frosting Work With?

This cream cheese frosting is perfect for a classic carrot cake, red velvet cupcakes, or just to jazz up some sugar cookies. It can also be used to fill and top cakes like this Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting or this fluffy Vanilla Layer Cake. The possibilities are endless!

What is the shelf life of cream cheese frosting?

Cream cheese frosting can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Before using, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. You can also gently warm it over a pot of simmering water before use if necessary

Do You Have to Refrigerate Cream Cheese Frosting?

You should refrigerate cream cheese frosting for food safety because it contains dairy products. It can be left at a cool room temperature for about 8 hours but must be refrigerated after that to avoid food poisoning. Just make sure to remove the frosting from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to 1 hour before you need it, to allow it to come to room temperature.

More Frosting Recipes

Final Thoughts

The best Cream cheese frosting recipe is a classic favorite for all sorts of baked goods. It’s incredibly easy to make with a few simple ingredients and adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to any dessert.

Whether you’re looking for a topping for cupcakes, cookies, or cakes, this cream cheese frosting will never disappoint! Feel free to adjust the consistency and flavor to suit your preferences.

Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

Yield: 3 Cups

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 Cup Butter, softened
8 Ounces Cream Cheese, softened
4 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
2-4 Tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream

Instructions

Place the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
Whip the butter for 1-2 minutes.
Add the softened cream cheese and beat for 1 minute.
Mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating in between.
Add the vanilla extract and whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
If your frosting is too thick, add milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
Serve with your favorite baked goods like cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies.