Vanilla Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 12
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This Vanilla Maple Cream Cheese Frosting is a sweet, creamy dream that pairs beautifully with your favorite cakes and cupcakes. With the cozy warmth of maple syrup and a hint of vanilla, this frosting is perfect for any season.

Ingredients for Vanilla Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese is the base that gives this frosting its classic tangy flavor and creamy texture. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the frosting hold its shape. Again, softened butter is key for a smooth blend. Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting and creates a silky finish. Vanilla extract enhances the flavors, adding depth and warmth. Pure maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a hint of earthy flavor. Finally, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
  • For a stronger maple flavor, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup.
  • If you don't have a mixer, you can mix by hand, but it'll take a bit more elbow grease.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting is a match made in heaven for carrot cake, pumpkin muffins, or classic vanilla cupcakes. For an elegant touch, try frosting a layered spice cake, and garnish with pecans or walnuts for added flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to omit the added salt to keep the flavors balanced.
How do I store leftover frosting?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Can I freeze this frosting?
Yes, you can freeze it. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and whip it before using to restore the texture.

Vanilla Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add your softened cream cheese and butter to the bowl. Beat them together using a mixer until they're smooth and creamy. This should only take a couple of minutes and is crucial for a lump-free frosting.

Next, gradually add the powdered sugar. Do this in stages to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Beat well after each addition, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Once all the sugar is in, the frosting should be fluffy and without lumps.

Now, it's time to add flavor. Pour in the vanilla extract and the maple syrup, followed by the salt. Beat the mixture again until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. Taste as you go to make sure the balance of flavors is to your liking.

If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, a bit more powdered sugar will do the trick.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with just six ingredients.
  • Rich and creamy texture that spreads effortlessly.
  • Perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of maple.
  • Works well on a variety of baked goods.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
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, beating well after each addition to prevent lumps.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt, beating again until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or a bit of milk if necessary to reach desired thickness.

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