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The Ultimate Smooth & Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: Easy Recipe for Cakes and Cinnamon Rolls

Close-up of perfectly piped, fluffy cream cheese frosting showing beautiful swirls and peaks.
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Make the best cream cheese frosting with this easy homemade recipe. It is smooth, creamy, and perfectly tangy, holding its shape well for piping on cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Place the softened cream cheese and softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Do not overmix once fully combined.
  4. If the frosting is too soft for piping, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a firm consistency that holds its shape.
  5. If the frosting is too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream until the desired spreading consistency is reached.
  6. Use immediately to frost carrot cake, red velvet cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For the smoothest texture, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
  • To make this frosting stable for piping, use 4 cups of powdered sugar and chill the frosting for 15 minutes before using.
  • For a tangier flavor, slightly reduce the powdered sugar or add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.
  • You can make this frosting ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and briefly beat it before using.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/cream-cheese-frosting-easy-recipe-for-cakes/