Cream Cheese Frosting made with just 5 ingredients is rich and creamy, PERFECT for cakes or cupcakes, and ready in under 10 minutes!
Everyone loves putting together sweet Desserts, and nothing tops them better than this Easy Whipped Cream, Chocolate Frosting, or Chocolate Ganache.
Cream Cheese Frosting, a luscious and velvety spread, is the crowning glory of many a dessert. This frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, complementing the flavors of the dessert without overpowering it. Made from cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract, it is known for its creamy texture and balanced sweetness. What makes this frosting truly stand out is its rich and tangy cream cheese flavor, which pairs beautifully with sweet cakes, cupcakes, and pastries.
One of the key factors of this frosting is its versatility. It’s milder and lighter than American buttercream frosting. You can use it to frost a variety of baked goods, from cakes and cupcakes to cookies and pastries. Its rich, creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor balance out the sweetness of the dessert, adding an extra layer of flavor that makes the dessert taste even better.
Another unique aspect of cream cheese frosting is the addition of sour cream. Sour cream adds a touch of tanginess to the frosting that enhances the overall flavor. It also contributes to the frosting’s creamy and spreadable consistency. A hint of vanilla extract lends a delicate aroma that elevates the taste of the frosting.
Though cream cheese frosting is commonly associated with desserts like carrot cake and red velvet cake, it is a versatile frosting that can be used to enhance a variety of desserts. It is the perfect complement to Cinnamon Rolls which would taste heavenly with a layer of cream cheese frosting.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
This homemade Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is not just delicious, it’s also remarkably easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a mixer, you can whip up a batch in no time. Check it out!
- Step One: In a stand electric mixer or electric hand mixer on medium speed, combine the cream cheese, butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together in the mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step Two: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, into the cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat the mixture until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth. Over-mixing the frosting can cause it to have a sticky texture or too much stiffness. And voila! Your cream cheese frosting is ready to be spread or piped onto your dessert of choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it might affect the texture and taste of the frosting.
If your cream cheese frosting turns out runny, it may be over-mixed. To get a thicker frosting, try folding in more powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, until the frosting thickens up. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the frosting to stiffen it.
Another reason may be that the cream cheese frosting is too warm. Return the frosting to the refrigerator, because the cream cheese and butter will harden as they cool.
This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of frosting, enough to frost a two-layer cake or 24 cupcakes.
Absolutely! You can add a variety of flavorings to the frosting, such as almond extract, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate cream cheese frosting.
Yes, due to the dairy ingredients in this frosting, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
It is absolutely essential to beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sour cream together before adding the sugar, and to make sure they’re at room temperature before you start. If it’s too cold, or the sugar is added too early, the frosting will be lumpy.
You can also start by just creaming the butter by itself, then adding the cream cheese, then the sour cream, and vanilla, to ensure everything is as smooth as possible. You need to have a really good mixture to smooth out the cream cheese to keep the powdered sugar from forming lumps.
If your frosting is lumpy, you can try pushing it through a strainer to remove the lumps. Or microwaving and stirring it at 30-second increments to melt them, then refrigerating to help the frosting harden again, and beating it one more time. This is not ideal and the texture will be off, but it is a last resort.
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Key Ingredients in Cream Cheese Frosting
This frosting is a blend of key ingredients that work together harmoniously to create a frosting that’s luxuriously creamy, sweet yet tangy, and perfect for spreading on a wide array of desserts.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show is, of course, the cream cheese. Cream cheese imparts a delicious tang that sets this frosting apart from others. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth and lump-free frosting.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy taste and texture to the frosting. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your frosting.
- Sour Cream: This adds a slight tanginess to the frosting, complementing the sweetness perfectly. The addition of sour cream also contributes to the creamy texture of the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds depth and a sweet, aromatic flavor to the frosting. It enhances the flavors of the cream cheese and butter, bringing a subtle hint of warmth.
- Powdered Sugar: This is what gives the frosting its sweetness and contributes to the fluffy texture. Be sure to sift your powdered sugar to avoid any lumps.
Can Cream Cheese Frosting Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This classic Cream Cheese Frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. If the frosting becomes too firm in the refrigerator, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading or piping it onto your dessert.
Cream Cheese Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you notice any separation or liquid forming, give the frosting a good stir before using it. It’s best to frost your cakes or cupcakes on the day you plan to serve them for optimal freshness.
Substitutions in Cream Cheese Frosting
- Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: For those with dairy allergies or dietary restrictions, dairy-free cream cheese can be used in place of regular cream cheese.
- Coconut Cream: In place of sour cream, coconut cream can be used. It adds a creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural sweetener option, you can replace powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind this will change the texture and color of the frosting slightly.
Variations on Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted in many ways to suit different tastes. The basic frosting can be enhanced with various flavors, colors, and even textures.
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting: Add some cocoa powder to your frosting for a chocolatey twist.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add some lemon zest and a little lemon juice for a refreshing, citrusy frosting.
- Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: Sprinkle some cinnamon into your frosting for a warming, spiced flavor.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Frosting
Cheese Frosting can be used to frost a variety of baked goods. Pair it with a Classic Vanilla Cake or a Rich Chocolate Cake to balance out the sweetness of the cake. This frosting also pairs beautifully with spiced desserts such as a Zesty Carrot Cake or Pumpkin Cake. The tanginess of the frosting cuts through the sweet and spiced flavors, creating a balanced and delicious dessert.
Cream Cheese Frosting also works well as a filling for sandwich cookies or as a dip for fruit or sweet crackers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving cream cheese frosting.
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How to Store Cream Cheese Frosting
- Serve: Once your dessert is frosted with cream cheese frosting, it should not be left out for more than two hours due to the dairy ingredients in the frosting.
- Store: To store leftover frosting, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week. Before using refrigerated frosting, allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit to soften. This makes it easier to spread or pipe onto your dessert.
- Freeze: Cream cheese frosting can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, place the frosting in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then whip it briefly to restore its creamy texture before using.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, butter, sour cream and vanilla to a stand mixer and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time until smooth and incorporated.
Nutrition
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Photos used in a previous version of this post.
Best cream cheese frosting recipe I have ever found. Thank you.
You’re welcome Lynn and thanks for the five star review!
I enjoy all of Sabrina’s recipes. They are all delicious, have easy to follow directions and usually all ingredients that I have on hand. I have made many of these recipes and always enjoy them. Where can I find her cookbook? Thank you!
Linda K.
Thank you Linda! Our cookbook is on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3ljtgRW) and a number of other places as well.
Glad I found this recipe. Was good! Will make again and again!
Hi Sabrina,
If I use one spring pan instead of two 9” pans
How long should I bake it?
I know sometimes the times can vary.
I plan to cut the cake and make a layer cake after it’s cooled.
The addition of sour cream to this frosting is so good!!
The cake was delicious, but will decrease sugar next time
I’ve never been able to get creamed cheese frosting right. Thank you so much for this recipe.
Thank you for enjoying it!
Not sure what the sour cream adds to it but I used it and I could not detect it in the frosting. I also took it one step further and added about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. You can adjust that to suit your taste or add more if you want a nice full lemon flavored frosting.
It was awesome!
Great tip, Lori!
My family loved this cake. We love all things lemon!! This cake is so moist and lemony. This recipe is a keeper! Thanks so much for the recipe!!
You’re welcome, Ginger.
Beat the butter within an inch of its life, add cream cheese in pieces , beat that to death then add the sour cream and vanilla, continue the beating but taste the mix after sifting each cup of powdered sugar. I only ended up needing two cups of that instead of the suggested four. Yum! This recipe is a keeper.
I love it!! Thanks for the 5 stars, Leisa.
To much sour cream flavor, I even put 1/2 the recommended amount and you could still taste it through and through.
How much does this recipe make? I am making your strawberry cake pops, but doubling it, and wondering if I also need to double the cream cheese frosting recipe in order to have 3 cups for the cake pops?
No need to double it. One batch should give you enough.
do you put something else and not the sour cream
I would just leave it out and add more cream cheese to make up for it. Hope this helps!
cream cheese frosting is the best option for cakes! I wouldnt use any other kind. this is creamy and delicious!
So glad you enjoy it!
Must this recipe be refrigerated? I’m looking for scream cheese frosting that will holdup at room temp (air conditioned) and not get “droopy”.
Thanks!
Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting. I’d suggest taking it out of the refrigerator an hour or two before you’d like to serve it so the frosting has time to come to room temperature and the cake layers lose their chill.
The texture of this frosting is absolutely perfect! I could eat it with a spoon!
Sounds like a yummy idea!
yum! you can’t beat a tried and true go to cream cheese frosting recipe!!
It’s great to have one you can trust, for sure!
Cream cheese frosting is the best!! It’s so creamy & perfect on so many desserts!
You’re speaking my love language! This was amazing!
Thank you, Jessica!
Hi Sabrina,
I got this recipe and it is similar to yours:
680g cream cheese
170g butter
150g 10x sugar
226g sour cream
this looks like it is 3 batches, is this correct?
Yes, that seems about triple the amount of my recipe.