Traditional Cream Cheese Frosting

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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Traditional Cream Cheese Frosting is a timeless classic that elevates any cake or cupcake with its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. Whether it's for a birthday cake or a simple treat, this frosting is sure to make your baked goods unforgettable.

Ingredients for Traditional Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream Cheese: This is the star of the show, providing the signature tangy flavor and creamy texture that defines this frosting. Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps to create a smooth texture. Unsalted is best to control the saltiness.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps to thicken it. Its fine texture ensures a smooth finish.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This prevents lumps and makes mixing easier.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency.
  • For a firmer frosting, chill it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before using.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting pairs beautifully with carrot cake, red velvet cake, or even a classic vanilla cake. Try using it as a filling for macarons or sandwich cookies for a delightful twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this frosting in advance?
Yes, you can make it up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature before using.
Can I freeze cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and whip it again before using.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the frosting may not be as rich and creamy. For best results, stick with full-fat cream cheese.

Traditional Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing the cream cheese and unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl. It's important that both are at room temperature, so they blend together smoothly. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat them together until the mixture is silky and free of lumps.

Next, reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Doing this gradually prevents a sugar dust cloud from enveloping your kitchen. Once all the sugar is in, give it a quick taste to adjust for sweetness if desired.

Add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the mixture until it's light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and you'll notice the frosting taking on a lovely whipped texture.

Once it's ready, you can use it right away to frost your cake or store it in the refrigerator if you're preparing in advance.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly creamy and smooth, making it easy to spread or pipe.
  • The right balance of sweetness without being overpowering.
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of cakes and pastries.

Ingredients

8 oz Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
4 cups Powdered Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
4. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

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