THE BEST CREAM CHEESE FROSTING RECIPE

This is my family’s go-to recipe for the most delicious and versatile cream cheese frosting that you can imagine. Whether you’re topping a carrot cake, a red velvet delight, or a classic cupcake, this frosting elevates every bite. The flavor is rich and balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness that never overwhelms your tooth. Unlike overly sweet buttercream, this frosting will win your heart with its smooth texture that can be easily piped or dyed to suit any occasion. I’ve been making this for years, and every time I slice into a cake buried under this sturdy yet creamy icing, it feels like the first time—pure bliss.

If you’re curious about its versatility, I’m here to answer your questions. This frosting can be dyed to match any theme, and it’s sturdy enough to hold its shape when piped onto cupcakes or a towering mountain of cake layers. It’s not just another buttercream—it’s the ultimate cream cheese frosting that complements everything from chocolate cake to your favorite cupcakes. This one is for those who love to eat frosting by the spoon (you know who you are). It’s perfect for any occasion, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Trust me, once you try it, there’s no going back!

TIPS FOR MAKING CREAM CHEESE ICING:

1. Choose the Right Ingredients

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Always opt for full-fat cream cheese in brick form. Avoid low-fat or spreadable versions sold in tubs, as they can compromise the flavor and texture of your frosting.
• Use Unsalted Butter: For better control over the taste, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. If you’re using salted butter, omit the extra salt from the recipe.

2. Preparation for a Smooth Mixture

• Soften Butter and Cream Cheese: Before mixing, allow both butter and cream cheese to fully soften. This ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture that makes your frosting perfectly spreadable.

3. Achieve a Flawless Finish

• Sift Powdered Sugar: To prevent stubborn lumps, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the cream cheese and butter blend. This step is crucial, especially if you plan to pipe your frosting.
• Avoid Clogging Piping Tips: Sifting the sugar prevents it from clogging your piping tips, particularly if you’re using a smaller tip.

4. Create beautiful, pipeable frosting.

• By following these steps, you’ll create a silky, beautifully pipeable frosting that holds up well on cakes and cupcakes alike.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Cream Cheese Frosting Stable for Piping Decorations?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed to create a thick frosting that is perfect for piping. Although cream cheese frosting can be prone to melting in hot weather, it still holds its shape beautifully when piped. As you can see in the photos, the frosting neatly pipes and maintains its form, making it ideal for decorating cakes and cupcakes.

Can I Use Cornstarch to Make Cream Cheese Frosting Thicker?

If you’re looking to achieve an even thicker frosting, this recipe has you covered. While the cream cheese frosting is naturally thick, you can easily adjust the thickness by adding more powdered sugar. Start by adding about 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a different method, you can incorporate cornstarch to achieve the same effect.

Cream cheese frosting is a versatile choice that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of cakes and cupcakes. However, there are specific cakes and cupcakes that truly enhance its flavor and texture. Stay tuned for Wednesday, when I’ll be sharing one of my top cupcake recipes, which are the same cupcakes featured in the photos above. This recipe will highlight how well cream cheese frosting complements various baked treats.