This homemade cream cheese frosting recipe is simple to prepare, somewhat sweet and tangy, and will soon become your new favorite! It pipes wonderfully and retains its form; you’ll be slathering it on everything.

For these pistachio cupcakes, try my mascarpone whipped cream or the cannoli icing for a less sour choice.

I know you’ve undoubtedly seen a lot of recipes named “The BEST cream cheese frosting.” And, although I may be a bit prejudiced here, this is the greatest one.

Every time I put this on anything and present it to my husband, he compliments me on it. Each and every time. I’m sure I could offer him three different baked pastries on the same day with this heaped on top and he’d tell me every. single. time.

Fortunately, it’s a fast and easy recipe with just four ingredients, and I may try it one of these days.

What is the difference between cream cheese frosting and cream cheese icing?

Since so many people use the phrases frosting and icing interchangeably, this may be perplexing! These are, in fact, two distinct entities.

• Frosting is thick and fluffy and is often used to decorate cakes. It may also be used as a filling between layers of cake in a layer cake.
• Icing is thin and shiny, and it is often used to decorate cookies. It is also suitable for use as a decorative feature on cakes.

Yet, in the context of cream cheese, cream cheese frosting is often used to frost cakes and cupcakes, and cream cheese icing is frequently used on cinnamon rolls and other pastries.

Key Ingredients

• The cream cheese And, well, there’s cream cheese icing. Blocks of room temperature cream cheese, unlike the spreadable sort used on bagels.
• unseasoned butter It gives the icing structure and taste. And make sure the butter is at room temperature! If you’re not sure what it implies, read this article to learn more about it and why it’s essential.
• Vanilla extract in its purest form I use clear vanilla extract in my frosting since it adds no color, but you could also use pure vanilla extract. But keep in mind that it will add some color and darken your frosting somewhat.
• granulated sugar It adds sweetness and structure to the frosting and may be adjusted up or down according on your own sweetness preference.
• Paste of white food gel (optional) This is entirely optional and just a matter of personal choice. I prefer to use Brilliant White food gel paste in my cream cheese frosting to remove some of the yellowish color that comes with butter-based frostings.

What type of cream cheese is best for frosting?

I always use a typical full-fat cream cheese block from a reputable brand, such as Philadelphia. Some off-brands have an unappealing texture, and because cream cheese is the star of this dish, you want the greatest quality you can buy.

You DO NOT want to use spreadable cream cheese, such as that used on bagels.

Do I have to use clear vanilla extract?

Absolutely not! I use clear vanilla extract since it adds no color to the frosting, but you could also use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (aff link) for a stronger taste. But keep in mind that it will add some color and darken your frosting somewhat.

What is white food gel?

White food gel, such as AmeriColor Brilliant White Gel Paste Food Color, may be used to enhance the color of baked products and frostings.

In the case of this cream cheese frosting, I use it to decrease some of the yellow tint that naturally occurs when a butter-based frosting is used. There’s nothing wrong with the way it appears naturally; I simply want it to be a brighter white to contrast with the cupcakes or cake it’s sitting on!

Is gel food coloring the same as paste?

The objective of gel food coloring (aff link) and gel paste food coloring is the same, although gel paste is thicker and more concentrated. Gel paste enables you to use less product to have the same result.

It isn’t as critical in a thick frosting recipe like this, but when dealing with anything thinner and more delicate like royal icing or meringue, you don’t want to add too much liquid and thin down your batter or icing.

How to make cream cheese frosting

Buttercream vs. cream cheese frosting

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between buttercream frosting and cream cheese frosting is, the answer is there in the name!

• Buttercream frosting is made using butter and powdered sugar. It is famous for its sweet taste.
• Cream cheese frosting contains powdered sugar and substitutes half of the butter with cream cheese. This has a tangier taste that is less sweet.

How to stiffen cream cheese frosting

If I can avoid it, I don’t want to add any more sugar to my frosting since I worked so hard to get the taste and amount of sweetness that I want! So what’s a lady to do when the frosting isn’t firm enough to pour onto the freshly baked cupcakes?

Wonderful news! Just place the cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. The frosting will thicken and get thicker as it cools in the refrigerator.

If that isn’t enough, add 1 tablespoon of meringue powder to the frosting and whisk until combined. This should also help to stabilize it.

How to use cream cheese frosting for cake decorating

Cream cheese frosting can be used in the same ways as buttercream frosting can!

Instead, put the frosting to a piping bag equipped with your preferred piping tip and decorate as desired. A sheet cake or layer cake may be frosted using an icing spatula.

Carrot cake, red velvet cake, and pumpkin cake are some of the classics that go well with cream cheese icing.

These are some of my favorite dishes to serve with this frosting (some of which aren’t cake):

• Cupcakes in the color red velvet
• Cake with Carrots
• Cupcakes with Hummingbirds
• Carrot Cake Donuts Baked
• Cupcakes with Cranberry Delight
• Red Velvet Donuts Made in the Oven

Storage Tips

Leftover frosting may be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, place the frosting in a freezer-safe, airtight container and place in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let it to come to room temperature before using to frost baked products.

Helpful Tips