How to Make Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting (+10 Variations)

This Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is about to become your go-to for adding that perfect, creamy finish to all your favorite desserts. Made with just a few basic ingredients like full-fat cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of pure vanilla extract, it’s the dreamy, smooth cream cheese frosting you’ve been waiting for.

Cream Cheese Frosting

This homemade Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is incredibly simple to whip up and is ready in just 20-30 minutes.

Whether you’re frosting a layer cake, slathering it on pumpkin cinnamon rolls, or topping a red velvet cookie cake, this frosting is the perfect match!

Its rich taste and velvety texture make it my absolute favorite frosting. Plus, there are so many ways you can customize the flavors (see below).

This easy recipe produces 3 cups of frosting, perfect for frosting cakes, such as a layer cake, sheet cake, carrot cake, or red velvet bars.

It’s also perfectly amazing on my homemade Pumpkin Bread and I use it in my Whoopie Pies sometimes too!

Ingredients Needed

My recipe makes around 3 cups of frosting, which is perfect for a dozen cupcakes or a two-layer cake. You can double the recipe if you need more!

• Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese reach room temperature.
• Butter: Unsalted, room temperature butter adds silkiness and stability. If you only have salted butter, you can use that, but just know you might have some unwanted saltiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla brings a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the tanginess of the cream cheese. Pure vanilla extract is best for its superior taste over imitation vanilla.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, it dissolves perfectly into the frosting, providing sweetness and structure. Sift the sugar to avoid lumps for a smooth texture.

Best Cream Cheese to Use for Frosting

For the best results when making my frosting recipe, stick with full-fat cream cheese. It will produce a rich, creamy, and stable frosting that’s easy to spread or pipe on cakes and cupcakes.

If you choose another type of cream cheese, be prepared for less than desiarable results:

• Whipped Cream Cheese: This type is lighter and has added air. If used in frosting, it can lead to a runny frosting because of its added moisture and air. It’s not the best choice for frosting, especially if you’re looking to pipe designs or need the frosting to hold up well.
• Low-Fat or Neufchatel Cheese: These have less fat content compared to full-fat cream cheese. Using them can result in a less creamy texture and might not provide the rich flavor you’re after in a cream cheese icing.

Best Butter for Cream Cheese Icing

Unsalted Butter is the best choice for making your frosting from scratch.

While you can use salted butter, it might make your frosting slightly saltier than you’d want for your dessert.

While margarine can be used in cream cheese frosting, it’s not the ideal choice. Margarine contains more water than butter, which can affect the consistency of your frosting, making it more prone to being runny.

You might also like to try my Marshmallow Frosting, it’s delicious on everything too!

Best Sugar to Use for Frosting

Powdered sugar is the best choice for cream cheese frosting.

Its fine texture creates a velvety-smooth cream cheese frosting without grittiness. It blends really well with the butter and cream cheese.

Granulated sugar is NOT recommended for when making frosting. It doesn’t dissolve as well as powdered sugar, leading to a grainy texture.

Nobody wants a grainy frosting! Don’t have any powedered sugar? No problem, you can make your own with just two ingredients!

How to Make Homemade Powdered Sugar

Ingredients: Granulated sugar and cornstarch

Tools: Blender or food processor

1. Start by measuring the amount of granulated sugar you need. One cup of granulated sugar will yield about 1 3/4 cups of powdered sugar.
2. For every 1 cup of sugar, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent clumping.
3. Place the sugar and cornstarch into the blender or food processor and blend on its lowest setting. Gradually increase the speed to high to avoid sugar dust clouds. Process until the sugar is fine and fluffy, about 30-60 seconds.
4. Pause and check the texture of the sugar. It should be powdery with no large granules. If necessary, process for a few more seconds.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Start by placing room temperature butter, full-fat cream cheese, and pure vanilla extract in a large bowl.
2. Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat these ingredients together on low speed until creamy.
3. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar while continuing to mix. Do this step slowly to prevent the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
4. After you add the sugar each time, increase the speed to high for a few seconds to incorporate air into the frosting, making it light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Once all the sugar has been added and the frosting is smooth and creamy, it’s ready to use.

Tips for Making Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the richest flavor and texture, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat versions can lead to a runny frosting.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and unsalted butter are at room temperature. This makes for a smoother frosting without lumps.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: To avoid a gritty texture, sift your powdered sugar before mixing it in. This leads to a smoother cream cheese frosting.
• Mix on Low Speed: When combining your ingredients in a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, start on low speed. This prevents the powdered sugar from flying everywhere.
• Don’t Overbeat Your Frosting: Overbeating incorporates too much air, making the frosting too soft or gummy.
• Use the Paddle Attachment: If using a stand mixer, the paddle attachment works best for making this frosting.
• Adjust Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, a bit of heavy cream can help. If it’s too thin, more powdered sugar can thicken it. However, make adjustments slowly and in small amounts.
• Coloring: For colored frosting, gel food coloring provides bold colors without altering the consistency.

Ways to Make Frosting Thicker

1. Add More Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in additional confectioners’ sugar to your frosting. Start with a small amount, about a quarter cup at a time, and mix thoroughly with an electric mixer or stand mixer until you reach the consistency you’re looking for.
2. Chill the Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. The cold will help the fat in the frosting to solidify, making it thicker and easier to spread or pipe.
3. Add a Thickening Agent: For an extra thick frosting, you can mix in a small amount of cornstarch. Start with a teaspoon, mix well, and add more if necessary. Be careful not to add too much, as it can change the flavor a bit.

10 Cream Cheese Frosting Flavor Variations

1. Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
2. Lemon Zest Frosting: Mix in the zest of one lemon to your frosting for a citrus twist.
3. Maple Cinnamon Frosting: Combine 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup into your frosting.
4. Strawberry: Puree fresh strawberries and mix them into your frosting for a fruity flavor with a nice, pink color. Use about 1/4 cup of puree for every 2 cups of frosting.
5. Coconut Cream Frosting: Add 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes and a teaspoon of coconut extract to your frosting..
6. Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting: Sometimes I’ll add a little brown sugar in my frosting, like in my amazing Peach Cake with Cake Mix.
7. Almond: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of almond extract into your frosting for a nutty, sweet taste.
8. Coffee Flavors: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Mix this into your frosting for a mocha flavor.
9. Vanilla Bean Specks: Add some beautiful specks to your frosting by scraping the seeds from a vanilla bean into it.
10. Bourbon Pecan Frosting: Mix in 2 tablespoons of bourbon and 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans to your frosting for a boozy, nutty flavor.

Ways to Use Cream Cheese Frosting

• Dip for Fried Bananas: This frosting makes the perfect dessert dip for my Deep Fried Bananas.
• Make Cinnabon French Toast: My Cinnabon French Toast is sooo good, y’all! Spread a generous layer of my frosting recipe on top while it’s still warm.
• Anything Red Velvet: Red Velvet + Cream Cheese Frosting go together like peanut butter and jelly. Here are some great recipes: Red Velvet Cheesecake, Red Velvet Fudge, Red Velvet Cake Mix Bars, Red Velvet Cookie Cake, and Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies.
• Pumpkin Recipes: This frosting is the perfect complement to anything pupkin! Try my faves: Cheesecake Pancakes, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, and Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.
• Carrot Poke Cake: Y’all, I think my Carrot Poke Cake tastes so great. For sure try it if you love the flavors of carrot cake!
• Graham Crackers and Sandwich Cookies: Spread it between two graham crackers for an easy, no-bake sweet treat.
• French Toast or Pancakes: For a truly decadent breakfast, spread some of this frosting on warm French toast or pancakes.

Storing Leftover Frosting

1. Use an Airtight Container: Put your homemade frosting into an airtight container to keep the frosting fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
2. Refrigerate: Cream cheese icing should be stored in the refrigerator, and it can last up to a week.
3. Room Temperature Before Use: When you’re ready to use the frosting, let it sit out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This will make it easier to spread or pipe onto cakes and cupcakes.

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes! You can freeze cream cheese icing. If you have a lot of frosting, consider dividing it into portions. This way, you can thaw exactly what you need.

Use a freezer-safe bag or container to store the frosting. If using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This homemade frosting can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thaw your frosting overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you may need to whip it again briefly with a stand mixer or electric mixer on low speed to bring back its smooth texture.

Once thawed, do not refreeze the frosting. Plan to use it within a few days for the best quality.

What is cream cheese frosting made of?

Cream cheese frosting is made of simple ingredients: full-fat cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract. These ingredients are combined to create a smooth and creamy texture, perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes.

Can cream cheese frosting be used for piping?

Yes, this frosting can be used for piping. For best results, make sure it has a stiff consistency by adding more powdered sugar if needed.

Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it needs to be refrigerated because it contains dairy products.

What thickens cream cheese frosting?

Powdered sugar is used to thicken cream cheese icing. You can add more if you need it thicker. Cornstarch can also be added, but try adding extra powdered sugar first.

What makes cream cheese frosting runny?

Runny frosting can result from using the wrong type of cream cheese or adding too much liquid.

Can I add cornstarch to my cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can add cornstarch to help thicken it. However, it’s better to start with powdered sugar for thickening and use cornstarch only if necessary so the flavor doesn’t change.

Is there a difference between icing and frosting?

Yes, there is a difference. Icing is typically thinner and glossier, often used for glazing or coating sweets. Frosting is thicker and used for covering or decorating cakes and cupcakes.

Why is my cream cheese frosting gummy?

Cream cheese icing can become gummy if overbeaten. Mixing it for too long incorporates too much air, leading to a gummy texture. To avoid this, mix the frosting at a low speed until just combined.

Can you over beat cream cheese?

Yes, you can overbeat cream cheese, especially when making frosting. Overbeating incorporates too much air, making the frosting too soft or gummy.

Why add butter to cream cheese frosting?

Butter is added to improve its texture and flavor.

How to firm up cream cheese icing?

To firm up cream cheese icing, add more powdered sugar to thicken it or chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. Make sure the cream cheese and butter are not too warm before starting, as this can affect the overall consistency.

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Cream Cheese Frosting + 10 Flavor Variations

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners sugar

Instructions

• Add room temperature butter, full-fat cream cheese, and pure vanilla extract in a large bowl.
• If using an stand mixer, use the paddle attachment, otherwise use a hand mixer. Beat these ingredients together on low speed until creamy.
• Slowly and gradually add in the powdered sugar in batches until it's all used up. Continue mixing on low as you add the sugar. Each time after you add in more sugar, increase the speed to high for a few seconds to incorporate air into the frosting. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
• Your frosting is finished once it has the perfect consistency.

10 Cream Cheese Frosting Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Lemon Zest Frosting: Mix in the zest of one lemon to your frosting for a citrus twist.
• Maple Cinnamon Frosting: Combine 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup into your frosting.
• Strawberry: Puree fresh strawberries and mix them into your frosting for a fruity flavor with a nice, pink color. Use about 1/4 cup of puree for every 2 cups of frosting.
• Coconut Cream Frosting: Add 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes and a teaspoon of coconut extract to your frosting for a tropical flavor.
• Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting: Sometimes I’ll add a little brown sugar in my frosting, like in my amazing Peach Cake with Cake Mix.
• Almond Cream Cheese Icing: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of almond extract into your frosting for a nutty, sweet flavor.
• Coffee Flavors: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Mix this into your frosting for a mocha flavor.
• Vanilla Bean Specks: Add some beautiful specks to your frosting by scraping the seeds from a vanilla bean into it.
• Bourbon Pecan Frosting: Mix in 2 tablespoons of bourbon and 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans to your frosting for a boozy, nutty flavor.