Perfectly balanced in flavor and velvety smooth in texture, this recipe for cream cheese frosting might just become your new favorite. It calls for a smaller proportion of cream cheese than most, and consequently far less powdered sugar, but the end result is still both plenty sweet and gloriously creamy. Most importantly, when it comes to that delicate tanginess which makes cream cheese frosting so special in the first place, this version has just the right amount of teeth.
There are countless ways to enjoy this cream cheese frosting, but it is particularly wonderful on chocolate zucchini bars.
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Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
- cream cheese
- unsalted butter
- powdered sugar
- pure vanilla extract
- kosher salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Cream Cheese Frosting
Place the cream cheese and the butter in a medium bowl.
Beat with an electric mixer on high speed just until incorporated.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed until the powdered sugar has been incorporated.
Then switch to high speed and beat for about 2 minutes more.
Hint: For the best frosting texture, be careful not to overbeat the cream cheese and butter when first combining them. This step should be very quick.
Variations
- Chocolate - For a chocolate rendition of this frosting, simply add 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa along with the powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Spices and Extracts - Try experimenting with various spices and extracts to complement whatever you plan to use the frosting on....such as cinnamon, ginger, almond extract, and coconut extract, to name just a few.
- Citrus - Looking to complement spring or summer flavors (i.e. lemon and berries)? Try substituting a bit of lemon zest or juice for the vanilla extract.
Equipment
You can certainly use a stand mixer for this recipe, but my tool of choice is an old fashioned electric mixer for purposes of ease in monitoring texture while beating.
Storage
This frosting can be made in advance and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you are ready to use it, simply allow the frosting to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour in order to become spreadable once again.
Top tip
The temperature of your ingredients is very important when making cream cheese frosting. Be sure to allow the cream cheese and the butter to come to room temperature before you begin. This will take at least 30 minutes.
📖 Recipe
Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese (full fat) softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer on high speed just until incorporated.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed until the powdered sugar has been incorporated.
- Then switch to high speed and beat for about 2 minutes more.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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