Description

Master our easy cream cheese buttercream frosting recipe. Learn how to make silky smooth, pipeable frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes in minutes. This 5-ingredient frosting combines room temperature cream cheese and butter for sophisticated flavor and beautiful texture. Discover the secrets to preventing lumps, achieving perfect consistency, and creating professional-looking designs that impress every time.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 cups (455 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla recommended)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Quality ingredients at room temperature are essential for perfect cream cheese buttercream frosting

Instructions

Remove cream cheese and butter from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes until soft throughout
In a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat softened butter for about 30 seconds until creamy and light

Properly creamed butter becomes light and fluffy, essential for smooth cream cheese buttercream frosting texture

Reduce mixer speed to medium and add room-temperature cream cheese, beating for 2 minutes until completely combined with no lumps visible

Adding room temperature cream cheese ensures smooth blending without lumps in your frosting

Stop frequently to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture
Switch to low speed and add sifted powdered sugar gradually in four additions, mixing completely after each addition

Finished cream cheese buttercream frosting achieves ideal light, fluffy consistency for piping and spreading

Once powdered sugar is mostly incorporated, add vanilla extract and salt to the mixture
Scrape the bowl frequently to ensure nothing hides at the bottom and all ingredients are evenly distributed
Turn mixer to medium speed and beat for 1-2 minutes until the frosting reaches a light, fluffy consistency
Stop beating immediately once it becomes fluffy – overmixing can thin the frosting and make it grainy

Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients create lumps and prevent smooth blending. Always soften cream cheese and butter completely before mixing.

Storage Tips: Refrigerate covered in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to come to room temperature before using, then re-whip briefly.

Make Ahead: Prepare this frosting up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered at room temperature (65-70°F) for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for longer storage.

Piping Consistency: If frosting seems too soft after mixing, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, then re-whip on low speed for 30 seconds to restore perfect texture.

Flavor Variations: Add lemon juice for tang, cocoa powder for chocolate, maple syrup for autumn flavor, or ground cinnamon for spice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Frosting
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 165
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 32mg

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