Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has only 4 simple ingredients making it super easy to make homemade frosting. Give this recipe a try for a quick and easy frosting that is decadent and amazing.

Frosting in a jar.
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You can make homemade cream cheese frosting with ONLY 4 ingredients. Not only is this recipe so easy but you know exactly what goes into the frosting

Store bought frosting is loaded with so many ingredients and hard to pronounce words. You will taste the difference and absolutely love it! You will be amazed when you try it.

I have been making homemade frosting for years including Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting, and Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

If you love cream cheese flavor, try Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe and Cream Cheese Glaze.

Why we love this recipe

Cream cheese frosting texture is sturdy, it can be colored, and it is pipeable. Cream cheese frosting is versatile which is one of the reasons we love it so much.

Each bite is so delicious and the best cream cheese frosting recipe.

Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe - cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla.
  • Cream Cheese
  • Unsalted Butter
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract

Scroll to the bottom of the post and get the complete ingredient list.

How to make cream cheese frosting

Mixing bowl with butter and cream cheese.

Step 1. In a large bowl beat the butter and cream cheese. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

Frosting mixture combined until smooth in mixing bowl.

Step 2. Slowly add the Powdered Sugar until desired consistency. Mix until well combined and smooth. Finally, add the vanilla and combine.

How to use Cream Cheese Frosting

The possibilities are endless but here are some of our favorites.

Tips for making Cream Cheese Icing

  • Smaller Amount – This recipe makes a large amount. It is for a layered cake or a large number of cupcakes. You can cut the recipe in half if needed for a smaller amount.
  • Use a stand Mixer – Also, you certainly can use a hand mixer but we love our electric mixer. It gets a ton of use and to this day is such a good investment. 
  • Full Fat Cream Cheese – When making this cream cheese frosting, use the full-fat cream cheese option. Do not use the cream cheese spread. Using the wrong cream cheese can cause your frosting to be runny.
  • Unsalted Butter – We prefer to use unsalted butter. This way if you wanted to add in salt, you can control how much you add.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients – When making this recipe, make sure to use cream cheese and butter that is at room temp. It blends better and doesn’t have lumps.
  • Make it Chocolate – If you need Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, add in about ½ cup of cocoa to the ingredients.
Cupcake with frosting on stand.

FAQs

Can Cream Cheese Frosting be used for Piping?

Yes, this is the perfect frosting to use your piping tools with. We recommend sifting your powdered sugar before mixing it with the cream cheese and butter. Powdered sugar can clump which doesn’t allow it to get through the piping tips.

We recommend putting the refrigerator for about 30 minutes prior to putting in the pipping bag. It will hold it shape better.

How do I make Cream Cheese Frosting thicker?

If you find that your cream cheese frosting is to thin, you can add in more powdered sugar. We recommend adding in about a tablespoon at a time.  

What flavors can I make?

If you want to add in some flavoring to your frosting, these are some of our favorites:
Pumpkin Flavoring – If you love the pumpkin flavor, add in ½ teaspoon to your frosting mix.
Lemon Flavoring – We love anything lemon and lemon frosting is so yummy. Add in 1 teaspoon extract to your frosting.
Coconut – If you love coconut, then add in 1 teaspoon of coconut extract.

Does Cream Cheese Frosting have to be refrigerated?

Yes, store leftovers in the fridge up to 3-4 days in a covered airtight container.

How to freeze?

Yes! Since cream cheese frosting has such a high fat content, it is suitable to freeze. Just make sure to freeze in an airtight container.

Try more easy frosting recipes

Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a comment and star recipe rating once you do.

Cream Cheese Frosting

4.83 from 17 votes
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has only 4 simple ingredients. Making it super easy to make homemade frosting for your cakes and cupcakes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 5177

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl add cream cheese, and beat until smooth
  • Add in butter, an beat butter until smooth
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing in between each addition
  • Beat until smooth
  • Beat in vanilla until smooth
  • Frost cupcakes or cake
  • Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in a covered container

Recipe Notes

This is the amount for a layered cake or a large amount of cupcakes (about 48 cupcakes). You can cut the recipe in half if needed for a smaller amount.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 5177kcal, Carbohydrates 737g, Protein 28g, Fat 247g, Saturated Fat 146g, Cholesterol 743mg, Sodium 2281mg, Potassium 626mg, Sugar 719g, Vitamin A 8928IU, Calcium 472mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

4.83 from 17 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Wanda C says:

    5 stars
    I used this icing on my red velvet cake last weekend, and it was delicious!