Before I dive into the ins and outs of the best cream cheese frosting recipe, let me tell you about the dish that pairs perfectly with it. Imagine a moist, spongy carrot cake or perhaps a fluffy, decadent red velvet cupcake. The frosting’s smooth, creamy texture and blend of flavors elevate these desserts to a new level of scrumptiousness. Now, onto the magic of homemade cream cheese frosting!
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast who loves bringing easy-to-make, mouthwatering recipes to the table, cream cheese frosting is one of my favorites. It’s versatile and delicious, making even the simplest of treats irresistible. Let’s make this dreamy frosting, shall we?
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What is the Best Cream Cheese Frosting?
I spent years perfecting this recipe, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. This frosting is creamy and smooth with a subtle tang from the cream cheese. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor, making it just right for cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies.
The Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (use brick-style for best results, avoid spreadable varieties)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream (to enhance richness and smoothness)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest (for a fresh, bright flavor)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 cups finely powdered sugar
How to Make the Best Cream Cheese Frosting?
Making creamy and delicious cream cheese frosting isn’t witchcraft, but it does require some love and attention. Here’s how to create this masterpiece.
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly, giving you that perfect texture.
Step 2: Mixing Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer. This should take about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Adding the Vanilla and Lemon
Next, add the lemon zest and vanilla extract to the bowl. The lemon zest gives it a fresh kick while the vanilla adds depth. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 4: Gradually Adding the Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. This will prevent a sugar storm in your kitchen! Mix until the frosting is smooth and thick.
Step 5: Adding the Heavy Cream
Finally, drizzle in the heavy cream and continue beating for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step adds a velvety richness to your frosting.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the best texture.
- Brick-Style Cream Cheese: Avoid spreadable cream cheese as it has a higher water content, which can ruin the consistency.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar if you prefer a less sweet frosting.
- Beat Well: Make sure to beat the mixture really well to achieve the desired creamy texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
Storage Tips
Store your cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Let it come to room temperature and beat briefly before using to restore its spreadable consistency.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
- Carrot Cake: This frosting pairs like a dream with a spiced carrot cake.
- Red Velvet Cupcakes: Elevate your red velvet cupcakes from good to divine.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Spread this frosting on warm cinnamon rolls for a gooey treat.
- Pumpkin Bars: Top off pumpkin bars to create a delightful fall dessert.
- Cookies: Frost soft, chewy cookies for an extra touch of indulgence.
Substitutes for the Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Greek Yogurt: Swap out some cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and fewer calories.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Use mascarpone cheese in place of cream cheese for a richer, creamier flavor.
- Coconut Milk: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk to add a unique hint of coconut flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace some powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Almond Extract: Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty, exotic twist.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened (use brick-style for best results, avoid spreadable varieties)
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to enhance richness and smoothness
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 cups finely powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- First, gather all your ingredients. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly, giving you that perfect texture.
Step 2: Mixing Cream Cheese and Butter
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer. This should take about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Adding the Vanilla and Lemon
- Next, add the lemon zest and vanilla extract to the bowl. The lemon zest gives it a fresh kick while the vanilla adds depth. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 4: Gradually Adding the Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. This will prevent a sugar storm in your kitchen! Mix until the frosting is smooth and thick.
Step 5: Adding the Heavy Cream
- Finally, drizzle in the heavy cream and continue beating for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step adds a velvety richness to your frosting.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the best texture.
- Brick-Style Cream Cheese: Avoid spreadable cream cheese as it has a higher water content, which can ruin the consistency.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar if you prefer a less sweet frosting.
- Beat Well: Make sure to beat the mixture really well to achieve the desired creamy texture.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I freeze cream cheese frosting?
A: Yes, you can freeze cream cheese frosting. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature before beating briefly to restore its texture.
Q2: What if my frosting is too runny?
A: If your frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Q3: Can I color cream cheese frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can add gel food coloring to the frosting to achieve your desired hue. Be sure to add the color in small increments to avoid going overboard.
Q4: Is there a dairy-free version of this frosting?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter. Brands like Daiya and Earth Balance offer great choices. The rest of the steps remain the same.
Q5: Why did my cream cheese frosting curdle?
A: Curdling often happens when the ingredients are not at room temperature. Always use room temperature butter and cream cheese and mix gradually to maintain a smooth consistency.
Conclusion
There you have it! The best cream cheese frosting recipe that’s simple, delicious, and versatile. Whether you’re topping a luscious carrot cake or adorning a batch of red velvet cupcakes, this frosting is sure to delight. Enjoy making it, and even more, enjoy eating it!
Happy baking!