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

A perfect swirl of thick, white cream cheese frosting piped onto a small white plate.
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You need this easy cream cheese frosting recipe! It creates a smooth, rich, and perfectly tangy topping ideal for red velvet cake, cinnamon rolls, or your favorite cupcakes. This recipe is quick and holds its shape well for decorating.

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
  • 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 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 mixture. Beat briefly to combine.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increase the speed to medium.
  4. Once all the sugar is added, beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This whipping step helps achieve a smooth texture.
  5. If the frosting seems too soft for piping, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired stiffness. If it is too stiff, add a tiny splash of milk or cream.
  6. Use immediately on your favorite 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.
  • Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to prevent lumps from forming in your final product.
  • If you are making this frosting ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it soften slightly and re-whip it before using.
  • To make this frosting extra tangy, you can slightly reduce the amount of powdered sugar used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/cream-cheese-frosting-best-recipe/