Cream Cheese Frosting: the sweet and tangy frosting recipe

If you like frostings that are sweet but not over the top, unbelievably sweet, then cream cheese frosting is for you! Sweet but also tangy, cream cheese frosting is so creamy, smooth and thick that doesn't lose its shape once piped. You only need 5 ingredients to make it perfect, so make sure to have butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and salt in your pantry.

Cream cheese frosting is always the perfect solution to decorate and give a new twist to your favorite desserts. It goes well with cupcakes and just about any type of cake. Red velvet cakes and carrot cakes are traditionally paired with cream cheese frosting, but this recipe is also fantastic with pumpkin cake, chocolate cake and vanilla cake. Super quick and easy to make, you can whip up this frosting in just 5 minutes.

How to thicken Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting should be thick enough not to lose its shape. To prevent it from being runny you have to use full fat brick cream cheese, so avoid low fat or spreadable ones.

If your frosting is still runny, add a tablespoons of powdered sugar or cornstarch to thicken it, but make sure to add one at a time.

Can Cream Cheese Frosting be piped?

Yes, of course! Before piping, it's better to allow cream cheese frosting to chill in the refrigerator once you have filled the piping bag. Use it after 30 minutes and your decorations will be perfect not only in flavor, but also in shape.

Tips for making Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

Add cornstarch to cream cheese frosting to make it thicker, so it won't be too sweet.

You can also use unsalted butter if you prefer to reduce the tangy flavor.

Use cream cheese and butter at room temperature.

Cream Cheese Frosting Flavors

Add ganache or jam to flavor this frosting. Strawberry jam mixed in makes a tasty strawberry cream cheese frosting, while about 1/4 cup of ganache turns this into decadent chocolate cream cheese frosting.

You could also try to add a teaspoon of pumpkin or chai spices, lemon, or coconut to give a new twist to this frosting, but the possibilities are endless.

How to store Cream Cheese Frosting

While cream cheese frosting will keep in the fridge for about a week, it does not freeze well. Only make this frosting when you are planning on using it.

How to make Cream Cheese Frosting

• Soften the butter and then add it to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
• Add the cream cheese to the bowl as well.
• Beat the cream cheese and butter together, scraping down the bowl frequently to prevent lumps and ensure that all the butter and creamy cheese are combined and beat until fluffy.

• Add the powdered sugar to the bowl, one cup at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
• Add the vanilla and salt and, again, scrape down the bowl- you don't want lumpy frosting.
• Use the cream cheese frosting immediately on cake or cupcakes or store in the fridge for up to a week.