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Introduction
Cream cheese frosting is one of those recipes that should feel effortless — smooth, creamy, and balanced without being overly sweet. When it’s done right, it complements baked goods instead of overpowering them, adding just enough tang to bring everything together.
This classic cream cheese frosting is simple to make with everyday ingredients and comes together quickly. It spreads easily, pipes softly, and works beautifully on cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cupcakes. It’s the kind of dependable frosting recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smooth, creamy texture without being runny
- Balanced sweetness with classic cream cheese tang
- Easy to spread or pipe
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cupcakes
Ingredients
- Cream cheese — fully softened for a smooth, lump-free frosting
- Unsalted butter — adds richness and structure
- Powdered sugar — sifted for the smoothest texture. Ran out? Make your own!
- Vanilla extract — rounds out the flavor
- Salt — balances sweetness and enhances tang
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer — ensures the frosting blends smoothly. I use my KitchenAid stand mixer almost daily and it’s never let me down!
- Paddle attachment — creates a creamy texture without over-whipping
- Fine mesh sifter — helps prevent lumps in the powdered sugar
- Spatula — for scraping down the bowl as needed
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
The key to smooth cream cheese frosting is starting with properly softened ingredients. Cream cheese that is even slightly cold can create lumps that are difficult to fully incorporate later. Allow both the cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature before mixing.
Cream cheese and butter are beaten together first to create a unified, creamy base. This step is essential for stability and prevents separation. Powdered sugar is then added gradually at a low speed, allowing it to blend smoothly without becoming gritty or overly airy.
Vanilla extract and salt are added at the end to round out the flavor and balance the natural tang of the cream cheese. The finished frosting should be smooth, creamy, and easy to work with — soft enough to spread easily, yet sturdy enough to hold its shape.
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PrintClassic Cream Cheese Frosting
A smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting with just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Perfect for cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cupcakes, this frosting spreads easily and pipes softly without being runny.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Mix time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Frosts one 9×13 cake or 12–18 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup salted butter, softened (to soft serve ice cream texture)
- 3–3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted (Ran out? Make your own!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese and butter to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer.
- Beat on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt.
- Increase speed to medium and beat for 1–2 minutes until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
- Adjust consistency if needed by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.
Notes
For a firmer frosting (better for piping), chill for 15–20 minutes before using.
Always start with fully softened cream cheese to avoid lumps.
Storage:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Rewhip:
Bring to room temperature and rewhip briefly before using.
Perfect for Cinnamon Rolls
Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice for cinnamon rolls. When spread over warm rolls, it softens slightly and melts into the swirls while still holding enough structure to stay creamy on top.
This recipe makes enough frosting for a full batch, but many people prefer using about half for a lighter, bakery-style finish. The remaining frosting can be stored and used later.
If you’re looking for the perfect pairing, try it with my Homemade Cinnamon Rolls.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps
- Mix on low speed once sugar is added to keep the texture smooth
- Chill briefly if the frosting feels too soft before using
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Store cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Rewhip:
Let frosting come to room temperature, then rewhip briefly to restore its creamy texture before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes. This frosting stores well and can be rewhipped before using.
Is this frosting good for piping?
Yes, for soft piping. Chill briefly if you need more structure.
Can I use this frosting on cupcakes or cakes?
Absolutely. It pairs well with vanilla, chocolate, spice, and carrot cake.
Can I freeze cream cheese frosting?
Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect texture once thawed.
Final Thoughts
This classic cream cheese frosting is smooth, balanced, and easy to work with — a dependable recipe that fits everything from casual cinnamon rolls to celebratory cakes. It’s a simple frosting that lets your baked goods shine without overpowering them.
See more of our Frostings and Glazes
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