4-Ingredient Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This cream cheese frosting recipe is soft, creamy, and lightly tangy with a spreadable soft-peak consistency. One batch makes enough to evenly frost the top of one 9×13-inch cake with no frosting left over.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- 2 Small Microwave-Safe Bowls
- Rubber Spatula
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Full-Fat Brick Cream Cheese Softened
- ¼ Cup Butter Softened
- 3 Cups Icing Sugar AKA Confectioners Sugar
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese and butter in separate clean microwave-safe bowls. Microwave each in 20-second intervals until soft when gently pressed with a finger or utensil. Do not melt them.½ Cup Full-Fat Brick Cream Cheese, ¼ Cup Butter
- Add the softened cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and evenly combined.
- Add 2 cups of the icing sugar. Begin mixing on low speed until most of the sugar has been incorporated, then increase the speed and continue mixing until smooth.3 Cups Icing Sugar
- Add the remaining icing sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is soft, creamy, and evenly combined.1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- Check the consistency by lifting the beaters. The frosting should hold a soft peak that bends over at the tip rather than standing stiffly upright.
- Spread the frosting over a completely cooled 9×13-inch cake, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat brick cream cheese. Half of a standard 250-gram Canadian brick equals the ½ cup used in this recipe.
Measuring Icing Sugar: Scoop the icing sugar gently into the measuring cup without packing it down. Sifting is not necessary.
Firmer Frosting: For a firmer consistency, add additional icing sugar a little at a time until the frosting reaches the texture you want.
For Spreading, Not Piping: This frosting is intentionally soft and holds soft peaks. It is best suited to spreading over cakes, bars, and similar desserts rather than detailed piping.
Make Ahead: Refrigerated frosting will firm as the butter chills. Let it soften slightly, then stir a few times before spreading.
Tangier Option: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for more tang, increasing to 2 tablespoons to taste. Additional icing sugar may be needed because the extra liquid will soften the frosting.
Nutrition
Calories: 2216kcalCarbohydrates: 366gProtein: 7gFat: 85gSaturated Fat: 52gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 237mgSodium: 729mgPotassium: 177mgSugar: 357gVitamin A: 2942IUCalcium: 128mgIron: 0.3mg
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