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Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

Smooth cream cheese frosting swirled in a glass bowl on a marble countertop with baking ingredients in the background.

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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.

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

  1. Add the softened cream cheese and butter to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer.
  2. Beat on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  3. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and salt.
  5. Increase speed to medium and beat for 1–2 minutes until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
  6. 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.