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    Kelly Neil » Recipes » Dessert

    Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

    Published: Jul 9, 2022 · Modified: Mar 11, 2023 by Kelly Neil · Leave a Comment

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    If you are looking for the perfect tangy topper for just about any dessert look no further! This whipped cream cheese frosting is a beloved classic for good reason. Use it on cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, and so much more.
    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Cook Time: 0 mins
    Total Time: 15 mins
    Close up overhead imahe of whipped cream cheese frosting.

    Before we begin, please note this recipe is not made with whipped cream or whipping cream.

    This whipped cream cheese frosting is the best icing ever. Bold? Yes. True? Also yes.

    This version is less sweet than other frostings—you can actually taste the cream cheese. It’s fluffy, smooth, and easy to spread. I have a hard time not eating it by the spoonful and I bet you will too.

    The perfect finish for desserts like this carrot cake with pineapple, the whipped cream cheese frosting also freezes beautifully so you can stash it away for a later time.

    Jump to:
    • 💞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • 📋 Ingredients
    • 👩‍🍳 How To Make Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
    • 🗣 Expert Tips
    • 📝 Recipe Notes
    • 🙋‍♀️ Recipe FAQ
    • 🖨 Recipe

    💞 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    ✔️ You can really taste the cream cheese.
    ✔️ It’s not too sweet.
    ✔️ You can make it in less than 10 minutes.

    📋 Ingredients

    Labelled ingredient image to make cream cheese frosting.

    Ingredient Notes

    • Cream Cheese—I prefer the Philadelphia brand (not sponsored, just my fave). Use what you like or can afford.
    • Powdered Sugar—also called icing sugar or confectioners sugar.

    It’s important to note when making substitutions in recipes, the texture and flavor may be slightly different. However, these substitutes are the best options if you are looking to change the original recipe.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Vanilla Extract—Almond extract is a nice substitute for vanilla but can be stronger. Add it to taste.
    • Flavor Variations—Try adding a little lemon zest, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or anything else you think will go well with your chosen recipe.

    Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of this post, or scroll to the bottom of the post, to see the PRINTABLE recipe card with ingredient measurements and complete instructions.

    👩‍🍳 How To Make Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

    STEP 1—Add the butter and cream cheese to a bowl and mix.

    STEP 2—Add the vanilla and salt and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix again until smooth.

    process shots 1 & 2

    STEP 3—Sift the powdered sugar through a fine mesh sieve into the bowl.

    STEP 4—Mix on low until the sugar is incorporated, then switch to high speed and beat until light and fluffy.

    process shots 3 & 4

    🗣 Expert Tips

    1. Don’t use low-fat cream cheese unless you absolutely must.
    2. You can double or triple this recipe.
    3. Be sure to start with room temperature/softened ingredients. This will make it easier to beat them together without any lumps.

    📝 Recipe Notes

    • I use this recipe to ice one 8-inch (20-cm) single-layer cake.
    • The frosting will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
    • Whipped cream cheese frosting freezes well! I’ve kept it frozen in a sealed container for up to two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature on the counter for a few hours.
    A large glass bowl of whipped cream cheese frosting.

    🙋‍♀️ Recipe FAQ

    Why is my cream cheese frosting runny?

    Too warm or not enough powdered sugar. Try placing it in the fridge to firm up. If that doesn’t work, mix more powdered sugar in by the tablespoon until you reach your desired consistency.

    How to thicken cream cheese frosting?

    The best way to stiffen cream cheese frosting is to place it in the fridge. If it’s still not firm enough after a few hours, mix in more powdered sugar by the tablespoon until you are happy with the consistency.

    Can I make cream cheese frosting without a mixer?

    Yes! You can also make frosting in a food processor. Worst case scenario? Soften the butter and cream cheese then whip the frosting by hand using a wooden spoon.

    💃 Try Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting With These Recipes

    • Earl Grey Yogurt Cake
    • Small-Batch Cinnamon Rolls
    • Lemon Buttermilk Cake
    • Carrot Cake With Pineapple

    Did you make this whipped cream cheese frosting? Please rate the recipe and tell me how it went in the comments below. Also, stay in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to see more delicious food and recipes!

    🖨 Recipe

    Close up overhead imahe of whipped cream cheese frosting.

    Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

    Author: Kelly Neil
    If you are looking for the perfect tangy topper for just about any dessert look no further! This whipped cream cheese frosting is a beloved classic for good reason. Use it on cinnamon rolls, carrot cake, and so much more.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American / Canadian
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 142 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons or digital kitchen scale
    • Large mixing bowl
    • Electric hand or stand mixer
    • Rubber spatula
    • Fine mesh sieve

    Ingredients
     

    • ½ cup butter, softened
    • ½ cup cream cheese, full-fat, room temperature to soft
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups powdered sugar , also called icing sugar or confectioners sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Add the butter and cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Beat together on high-speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Add the vanilla and salt. Beat everything together, again on high-speed, until well combined.
    • Use a fine mesh sieve to sift the powdered sugar into the bowl.
    • Mix the powdered sugar into the cream cheese on low speed. Increase the speed of the mixer to high and beat the frosting until it is fluffy, smooth, and all lumps are gone. Use the frosting anywhere you like.

    Notes

    • I use this recipe to ice one 8-inch (20-cm) double layer cake.
    • The frosting will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
    • Whipped cream cheese frosting frosting freezes well! I’ve kept it frozen in a sealed container up to two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 30gCalories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 12mgSugar: 16gVitamin A: 288IUCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.02mg
    Did you make this recipe?Let me know on Instagram @kellyneildotcom or tag #kellyneil!

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    Hi there! 👋🏻 I'm Kelly, the photographer, and voice behind kellyneil.com. This is where you'll find my favorite baking recipes and easy meals I make for my family.
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