Vanilla Bean Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 12
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Get ready to elevate your cakes and cupcakes with this Vanilla Bean Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. It's rich, creamy, and bursting with the flavors of real vanilla and pure maple syrup. Perfect for adding a gourmet touch to any dessert.

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese provides the rich, tangy base that makes this frosting irresistibly smooth. Unsalted butter adds a creamy texture while keeping the sweetness in check. Powdered sugar gives that essential sweetness and helps achieve a silky-smooth consistency. The star of the show, vanilla bean paste, brings an intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the frosting to something special. Maple syrup adds depth with its natural sweetness and distinct flavor. Finally, a pinch of sea salt enhances the overall taste, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • For maximum flavor, make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened before starting.
  • Use high-quality vanilla bean paste for the best flavor impact.
  • If your frosting is too thick, a splash of milk can help thin it out to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting is perfect for spreading on carrot cakes, red velvet cupcakes, or even a classic vanilla sponge cake. For a fun twist, try it as a filling for whoopie pies or spread it on cinnamon rolls for an indulgent breakfast treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vanilla extract, but you might miss the distinct specks and slightly more intense flavor of the paste.
How should I store leftover frosting?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before using.

Vanilla Bean Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a large mixing bowl and your trusty electric mixer. Toss in the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together on medium speed until they become smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Low speed is key here to avoid a sugar cloud escaping into your kitchen. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, switch the mixer to medium speed to blend everything together nicely.

Now, it's time to add the stars of the show: the vanilla bean paste and maple syrup. Pour these into the bowl along with a pinch of sea salt. Crank the mixer up to medium and let it work its magic until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2 more minutes. Give it a taste to see if it needs any adjustments. You can add a bit more sugar if you prefer it sweeter or a touch more salt to balance the flavors. Once you're happy, it's ready to use! If you’re not using it right away, go ahead and store it as needed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with just six ingredients.
  • Delivers a sophisticated flavor with real vanilla bean paste.
  • The maple syrup adds a unique, subtle sweetness.
  • Perfectly balances sweet and salty for a delightful taste.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla bean paste
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla bean paste, maple syrup, and sea salt, and increase the mixer speed to medium, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if necessary.
5. Use immediately to frost your favorite cakes or cupcakes, or store as directed.

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