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The Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, Tangy, and Pipeable

A single cupcake topped high with thick, fluffy cream cheese frosting, sitting on a small white plate.
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You need this recipe for the best classic cream cheese frosting. It is smooth, rich, tangy, and easy to make in under 10 minutes. This frosting holds its shape perfectly for piping on cakes, cupcakes, or spreading on cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Place the softened cream cheese and softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or use a large bowl with a hand mixer. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the cream cheese mixture and mix until just combined.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  4. Taste the frosting. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add the remaining cup of powdered sugar. If you want a tangier flavor, stop here. For a thicker, pipeable frosting, beat for an extra minute.
  5. If the frosting seems too soft for piping, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before using it to frost your cakes or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For the smoothest frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar is key to achieving a no lump frosting texture.
  • If you are making this for cinnamon rolls, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly to keep the topping less sweet.
  • This frosting holds its shape well for piping, but if you need extra stability for warm weather or intricate designs, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream slowly while mixing on medium speed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorvista.com/best-classic-cream-cheese-frosting-home/