Zesty Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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Zesty Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on the classic. With its rich vanilla flavor and a hint of tanginess, this frosting is perfect for enhancing your favorite cakes or cupcakes. It's a versatile recipe that's easy to whip up and sure to impress.

Ingredients for Zesty Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese: Provides the base of this frosting, lending a smooth, creamy texture and a slight tang.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps to stabilize the frosting. Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.

Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while ensuring it stays silky and smooth.

Vanilla bean paste: Infuses the frosting with an intense vanilla flavor and those charming little specks of vanilla seeds.

Lemon juice: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Salt: A tiny pinch to amplify all the other flavors without overpowering them.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best consistency.
  • Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the mix to avoid lumps.
  • If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can substitute with pure vanilla extract, though you'll miss those beautiful specks.
  • Adjust the lemon juice to taste — start small and add more if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting is a match made in heaven for red velvet or carrot cakes. Spread it generously over a batch of freshly baked cinnamon rolls for an indulgent breakfast treat. It’s also delightful atop lemon cupcakes for a bright, citrusy dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and bring it back to room temperature before using.
What if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is too runny, try adding more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Zesty Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your cream cheese and butter into a mixing bowl. Make sure both are softened — this is key for a smooth frosting. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Next, gradually add in your powdered sugar. I like to do this in stages, mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, turn the speed up to medium and mix until everything is well combined.

Now, it's time to add the flavor. Mix in the vanilla bean paste, lemon juice, and salt. Continue to beat the mixture until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. This should only take a minute or two.

For the final touch, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2 minutes. This step aerates the frosting, giving it a lovely light texture that's perfect for spreading or piping.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy texture that spreads like a dream.
  • The vanilla bean paste adds an authentic, deep vanilla flavor.
  • A touch of lemon juice keeps the frosting from being overly sweet.
  • Pairs wonderfully with a variety of baked goods.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 oz unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
1 tsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
3. Mix in the vanilla bean paste, lemon juice, and salt until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2 minutes to aerate the frosting for a light texture.

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