Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to clarify a common misconception: this whipped cream cheese frosting does not contain whipped cream or whipping cream. Instead, it focuses on the rich and tangy essence of cream cheese whipped to light perfection.
I find store-bought frostings so overly sweet, masking the true flavors of their ingredients with artificial tastes. There is nothing artificial tasting about this recipe! It’s less sweet, allowing the flavor of the cream cheese to shine through. Its texture is fluffy and smooth, making it a versatile filling or topping for your favorite desserts.
This frosting is amazing with this carrot cake with pineapple, these carrot cake cookies, and these small-batch cinnamon rolls. And an added advantage? It freezes well! You can make it in advance and then use it when needed. Simply thaw on the counter for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
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💞 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 For Whipped 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.
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.
🗣 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
- Cake Size Recommendation: This recipe is made to generously ice an 8-inch (20-cm) single-layer cake. If you’re working with a larger cake or multiple layers, you might consider doubling the recipe to ensure you have enough frosting to cover the entire surface and fill the layers if needed.
- Storage Tips for Freshness: To maintain freshness and flavor, store the frosting in an airtight container. When kept in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh for up to one week. Ensure the container is sealed properly to prevent any other fridge odors from seeping in.
- Freezing and Thawing Instructions: This frosting freezes well without losing its texture or flavor. If you make a larger batch or simply want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze the frosting in a sealed container for up to two months. When you’re ready to use the frozen frosting, you can transfer the container from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight or, if you’re short on time, place the container at room temperature on your kitchen counter. Within a few hours, it should be soft enough to spread. Be cautious not to leave it out for too long, especially in warmer climates, to prevent it from becoming too runny. Once thawed, do not refreeze.
🙋♀️ Recipe FAQ
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.
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.
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
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
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
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
- Cake Size Recommendation: This recipe is made to generously ice an 8-inch (20-cm) single-layer cake. If you’re working with a larger cake or multiple layers, you might consider doubling the recipe to ensure you have enough frosting to cover the entire surface and fill the layers if needed.
- Storage Tips for Freshness: To maintain freshness and flavor, store the frosting in an airtight container. When kept in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh for up to one week. Ensure the container is sealed properly to prevent any other fridge odors from seeping in.
- Freezing and Thawing Instructions: This frosting freezes well without losing its texture or flavor. If you make a larger batch or simply want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze the frosting in a sealed container for up to two months. When you’re ready to use the frozen frosting, you can transfer the container from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight or, if you’re short on time, place the container at room temperature on your kitchen counter. Within a few hours, it should be soft enough to spread. Be cautious not to leave it out for too long, especially in warmer climates, to prevent it from becoming too runny. Once thawed, do not refreeze.
Cindy says
can’t wait to try this! thank you