Categorized:

  • Cake & Cupcakes
  • Desserts

Tagged:

  • butter
  • cream cheese
  • powdered sugar
  • vanilla extract
Cream cheese frosting shown piped over red velvet cupcakes. - 1

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, partially softened but still firm (rested at room temperature about 30 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened nearly to room temperature
  • 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups (300g to 420g) powdered sugar* (depending on how sweet you like it)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • The amounts listed above makes enough for 12 cupcakes. See notes for cake amounts.
  • In a mixing bowl (or in the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth and slightly fluffy.
  • Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix on low speed until combined. Then increase speed to high and whip for a few minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Transfer frosting to freezer and freeze 3 minutes. Remove and mix with mixer just briefly. Repeat this process up to 2 more times until frosting is more firm (not clumpy and too cold but firm enough to frost and not be running).
  • Frost cupcakes or cake and keep refrigerated.

Notes

  • *If you notice powdered sugar is clumpy at all sift it before using (measure then sift).
  • Nutrition estimate based on using 3 cups powdered sugar and 1/12 of the recipe.
  • Store frosting in the refrigerator (it will keep well for 4 - 5 days). Bring nearly to room temp before using or serving.

Amounts for a 2 Layer Cake or 13 by 9-inch cake:

  • 4 1/2 to 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 12 oz. cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Amounts for a 3 Layer Cake:

  • 6 to 6 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 16 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

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