Silky Cream Cheese Icing

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 12
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Silky Cream Cheese Icing is a versatile, luscious addition to any cake or cupcake, adding that perfect touch of sweet tanginess. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, making it a go-to for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients for Silky Cream Cheese Icing

Cream cheese brings a rich, tangy base to the icing, making it creamy and flavorful. Ensure it's softened to avoid lumps. Unsalted butter adds a silky smoothness and structure, balancing out the cream cheese's tang. Powdered sugar sweetens the mixture without making it gritty, melding everything together. A hint of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. Lastly, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, ensuring the icing isn't overly sweet.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are properly softened. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy texture.
  • If your icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.
  • For a firmer icing, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before using.
  • Use a stand mixer if you have one; it makes the process even easier and faster.

Serving Suggestions

This Silky Cream Cheese Icing is perfect on carrot cake, red velvet cake, or spice cupcakes. For a delicious contrast, try it on a lemon cake or use it as a filling for sandwich cookies. It also works wonders as a dip for fresh fruit or graham crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit the added salt to avoid over-salting the icing.
How do I store leftover icing?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it soften at room temperature before using.
Can I freeze this icing?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then whip it briefly before using.

Silky Cream Cheese Icing Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should only take about a minute or so. Once you've achieved a homogenous blend, it's time to add the powdered sugar.

Add the powdered sugar gradually, one cup at a time. Keep your mixer on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud from enveloping your kitchen. Mix until each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. This patience will pay off with a perfectly smooth icing.

After the powdered sugar is fully mixed in, pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the salt. Now, turn the mixer up to medium-high speed and beat everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. You're looking for a light, fluffy consistency that holds its shape. Once you have that, you're ready to ice your favorite dessert or store the icing for later use.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Velvety smooth texture that spreads like a dream.
  • Perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
  • Quick and easy to make with just five ingredients.
  • Pairs well with a variety of cakes and desserts.
  • Stores well for future use.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuously mixing at a low speed.
3. Once all powdered sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Use immediately or store as per instructions.

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