Cream Cheese Frosting

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 10 min.

Makes

about 3 cups

Updated: Mar. 10, 2023
This smooth, versatile cream cheese frosting has a delicate vanilla flavor. The woman who made the wedding cake for our daughter, Leanne, and her groom, Billy, used this recipe. It's also excellent on carrot cake. —Sharon Lugdon, Greenbush, Maine
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt, optional
  • 3-3/4 to 4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla and, if desired, salt until fluffy. Gradually beat in enough confectioners' sugar to achieve desired consistency. Store in the refrigerator.
Cream Cheese Frosting Tips

How long does cream cheese frosting last?

Homemade frosting lasts up to 1 week stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Many frostings, including store-bought varieties, can even be frozen for up to a month. If you made more than you need, here's what to do with leftover frosting.

How do you prevent runny cream cheese frosting?

To prevent runny frosting, make sure you are using full-fat cream cheese—this is not the time to reach for whipped or low-fat cream cheese. (These are the best cream cheese brands, according to our Test Kitchen.) Be sure to measure out the recommended amount of each ingredient in your frosting recipe to get the correct ratio and thickness. If you do need to adjust the recipe, follow these guidelines: If your cream cheese frosting is too sweet, add a touch of cornstarch. If it's too thick, thin it out with a little milk or cream.

How can you make cream cheese frosting your own?

Extracts like mint, rum or berry add another layer of flavor to cream cheese frosting. Or try adding both flavor and texture with cookie crumbs, crushed candies or toasted nuts.

What dessert recipes go well with cream cheese frosting?

Spread cream cheese frosting on this moist banana cake. It's perfect for dessert or a sweet treat at brunch. Of course, cream cheese frosting and carrot cake are always a good match. We love this classic old-fashioned carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

—Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 234 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.

Recommended Video

More from Taste of Home