How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

🧁 Cream Cheese Frosting – Sweet, Tangy & Pipeable!

✨ Smooth, pipeable, and packed with flavor — this is your go-to cream cheese frosting for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Simple ingredients. Maximum flavor. Minimum fuss.

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🛒 Ingredients You'll Need:

| 🧈 | 1 cup unsalted butter (room temp) |
| 🧂 | Pinch of salt (optional, to cut sweetness) |
| 🍬 | 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted) |
| 🍦 | 2 tsp vanilla extract |
| 🧊 | 1 cup full-fat block cream cheese (chilled, cubed) |
| 🌽 | Cornstarch or meringue powder (optional, to thicken) |

🧠 Pro Tip: Only use block-style, full-fat cream cheese. Avoid tubs or low-fat versions — too watery!

 

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🛠️ Method: How to Make It

🔄 Step-by-Step:

1. 🥄 Beat the Butter
   Using a hand or stand mixer, whip butter until light and fluffy.

2. 🍥 Add the Sugar
   On low speed, add powdered sugar gradually (1 cup at a time). Mix until fully incorporated.
   Then whip on medium for 3 minutes.

3. 🌼 Pour in Vanilla
   Add your vanilla extract. Beat 1 more minute.

4. 🧊 Add Cream Cheese
   Add chilled cream cheese cubes, one at a time. Mix well to avoid lumps.

5. 🧪 Adjust Consistency
   Too soft? Add cornstarch or meringue powder, 1 tbsp at a time.
   Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt to balance it out.

6. 💨 Remove Air Bubbles
   Run the mixer on low for 2 minutes to smooth the frosting.

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❄️ Why Use Chilled Cream Cheese?

| ✅ | Firmer, more stable frosting
| 🚫 | Less chance of runny, melty mess
| 🧊 | Already soft enough to blend when cold

📌 Shortcut: Cut cream cheese into 1 tbsp cubes and use straight from the fridge. No need to bring it to room temp!

 

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🎂 Frosting Yields

• 🎂 Two-layer 8” cake

• 🍰 Three-layer 6” cake

• 🧁 18–24 cupcakes

🧮 Want to decorate extra? 👉 Multiply recipe by 1.5×!

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🌈 Flavor Twists

| 🍓 | Add freeze-dried fruit powders
| 🍫 | Mix in melted chocolate or cocoa
| 🍋 | Try lemon zest or citrus extracts
| ☕ | Add espresso powder for a mocha vibe

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📦 Make Ahead & Store

| 🕒 | Fridge: Store up to 1 week
| ❄️ | Freeze: Store up to 3 months
| 🔁 | Before Use: Let it come to room temp & rewhip until smooth

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🧁 Final Texture: Rustic & Real

It’s not going to be ultra-smooth like Swiss Meringue — and that’s okay!
Cream cheese frosting has character. Go for the rustic swirl or let it billow beautifully.

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📋 Full Recipe

Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Yield: 4 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temp)

• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup full-fat block cream cheese (chilled, cubed)

• 1–2 tbsp cornstarch or meringue powder (optional)

• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat butter until pale and creamy.

2. Add sugar gradually, mixing on low. Whip on medium for 3 mins.

3. Add vanilla; beat 1 min.

4. Add cream cheese cubes one at a time, mixing until smooth.

5. Add cornstarch/meringue powder if needed to thicken. Salt to cut sweetness.

6. Mix on low to eliminate air bubbles.

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⚖️ Nutritional Info (per batch)

| 🔢 Calories | 1078 kcal |
| 🍭 Sugar | 120g |
| 🧈 Fat | 66g (41g saturated) |
| 🥚 Protein | 4g |
| 🧂 Sodium | 187mg |

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🎉 That’s it! The best combo of flavor + function. Creamy, dreamy, and ready to swirl on your favorite bakes.