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Cream cheese frosting piped into a glass jar.
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4.86 from 140 votes

Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting

This rich, tangy, spoon-lickable Best Cream Cheese Frosting is the only cream cheese frosting recipe you'll need! Made with just 4 ingredients, it takes only 10 minutes to whip up! This easy frosting recipe is perfect for carrot cakes, red velvet cupcakes, and even chocolate cupcakes too. Make it ahead and freeze it for later!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Frostings
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3 cups
Author: Amy Nash

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce) package full-fat cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, about 2 minutes.
    1 (8-ounce) package full-fat cream cheese, 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter
  • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat again until creamy and smooth. The longer you beat the frosting the thinner it will become, or you can add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
    4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Notes

  • Stiffer Frosting: If you want a cream cheese frosting with even more stability for piping, try refrigerating it for 15-30 minutes and/or mixing in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
  • Yield: This recipe makes about 3 cups of frosting, which is enough for 1 dozen cupcakes (if you are piping it on like in the photos) or a 2 layer cake.
  • Make Ahead and Storage Instructions: This frosting keeps in and airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days if you want to make it in advance. Let it sit for a while on the counter to take off the chill before beating and using.
  • Freezing Instructions: This frosting can be frozen for up to about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let it sit out on the counter to come to room temperature before beating well and using.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 65mg | Potassium: 15mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

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