Name: Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp salted butter (softened); 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 pinch salt; milk (optional)

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Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, decedent frosting that pairs great with everything from cookies to sweet rolls. This simple recipe will be you next go-to!

Cream cheese frosting is one of those rich and creamy things you just can’t get enough of (I know I can’t!) It’s savory, sweet, has a slight tanginess and compliments just about every dessert known to man. It’s possibly one of my most favorite frostings to use because it can totally transform something simple into something decadent.

There’s nothing better than fluffy cream cheese frosting because it can be eaten as-is (guilty) or spread on top of everything from brownies to cinnamon rolls. Cream cheese frosting for cupcakes is always a welcomed choice in my books too. You really can’t go wrong with it either, it’s such an easy to make a timeless classic.

Making your own homemade cream cheese frosting is so much more rewarding than buying a can of it from the grocery store. Did you know that Pilsbury containers of cream cheese frosting don’t even contain dairy? (could be why the flavor is off, it’s missing real cream cheese!) This homemade cream cheese frosting is the real deal, and worth the few minutes of mixing. 😉

What’s In Cream Cheese Frosting?

Softened Butter: If you have some butter room temperature, that would be perfect! If not, you can microwave it for 10 seconds, turn it over and microwave it for an additional 5 seconds.l That is what I tend to do and it works like a charm. 🙂
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Using room temperature cream cheese is very important in this recipe. If it is hot (from the microwave) it can melt the butter, causing the frosting to have a funny texture. Best case scenario, pull it out of the fridge about an hour before making the frosting. If you need to bring it to room temperature quickly, placing the cream cheese in between some heating pads on low seems to do the trick quickly.
Powdered Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Salt

The frosting really is that simple, made with real ingredients and nothing crazy.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

For best results, cream together the cream cheese and butter until completely incorporated and smooth. Then slowly add in the remaining ingredients, mixing thoroughly after ever addition until everything has been added. You can use either a stand mixer or a hand electric mixer for this recipe. I wouldn’t recommend mixing this by hand as it is a thick frosting.

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Have To Be Refrigerated?

For short term, no, long term, yes. If you are planning on eating your treats within a day or two, you are fine to leave them out on the counter. If you are wanting to keep your treats for a bit longer, refrigerating would be your best bet.

I know, I know, DAIRY! There is enough sugar in the frosting to stabilize the dairy and keep it from growing bacteria, so you are good to go keeping it at room temperature for a day or two.

How Long Will Cream Cheese Frosting Last In The Fridge?

Keep your cream cheese frosting in an airtight container (or on covered baked goods) in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Looking for more frosting recipes?