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The Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, Tangy, and Pipeable

A large, fluffy swirl of homemade cream cheese frosting piled high on a small white plate.
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You need this easy cream cheese frosting recipe! It creates a smooth, fluffy texture that is perfectly tangy and rich, ideal for red velvet cake, cinnamon rolls, or any dessert needing a superior topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 ounce) package full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Place the softened cream cheese and softened butter into a large mixing bowl. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the cream cheese mixture and mix until just combined.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Do not overmix once fluffy.
  4. If the frosting seems too soft for piping, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before using. If it is too stiff, add 1 teaspoon of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Use this smooth cream cheese icing immediately to frost your cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For the smoothest frosting, make sure both your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps before you even start mixing.
  • This recipe makes a pipeable cream cheese frosting perfect for decorating. For a thinner cream cheese glaze, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream.
  • This frosting is excellent on carrot cake and makes a perfect topping for cinnamon rolls.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-easy-smooth/