Cream cheese frosting is one of my favorite go-to frostings for decorating anything really. The flavor is so versatile, it really compliments most everything. Like below is a delicious gingerbread cupcake and it pairs perfectly.
Depending on what you're decorating will determine how you will decorate, e.g. decorating cupcakes I'm going to use a piping bag but say a cookie, or like below my pumpkin donuts I usually like to spoon it on there.
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- Cream cheese frosting is one of the most versatile frostings (in my opinion).
- It's the perfect cream cheese frosting for brownies.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Cream Cheese
- Vanilla Extract
- Powdered Sugar
- Unsalted Butter
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer with whisk attachment) beat at medium speed until nice and creamy.
- Step 2: Either spoon directly onto your cookies (or other dessert) or pipe onto a cupcake/cake.
Hint: Depending on how thick/runny you want your frosting to be you can add a little more powdered sugar or melted butter.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Chocolate Chips - if you want to make chocolate cream cheese frosting melt some chocolate chips and add to the frosting for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Color - use red food coloring (or any color really) to give your frosting some color.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
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You can use a hand mixer to make this cream cheese frosting, or you could use a stand mixer. Or if you're feeling energetic you could beat by hand with a whisk for a few minutes.
I have a few links in the recipe card below for my favorites.
Recipes To Use Your Cream Cheese Frosting
How to store leftovers
Due to the dairy involved cream cheese frosting can only be left out at room temperature for a few hours. After that it will need to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 4 days.
Mel's kitchen notes
If you want super white frosting use a clear vanilla.
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Banana Bread
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Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese softened
- ¼ Cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and using a hand mixer beat until nice and smooth.4 Ounces Cream Cheese, ¼ Cup Unsalted Butter, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- Using a piping bag and chosen tip pipe onto cupcakes, or spoon onto cookies etc.
Notes
Nutrition
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Wild Bill says
Its great! I have been using it for over 45 years now add cocoa to taste and it makes a really rich chocolate frosting
Melanie Cagle says
Yes, great idea!!! Thanks for the rating!