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The best cream cheese frosting is made with just 5 ingredients and perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies and cinnamon rolls!
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Pin It NowTHE BEST CREAM CHEESE FROSTING (AKA: THE ONLY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING YOU’LL NEED!)

If there’s one frosting recipe you need in your life, it’s this cream cheese frosting – classic, versatile, the kind of frosting you can eat by the spoonful. In my humble opinion, it is the only cream cheese frosting you’ll ever need, but I’m slightly changing my mind as I think about my ever-so-popular Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. You need that frosting recipe in your life too!
While I think this recipe weighs supreme in terms of versatility, its peanut butter sibling gets an honorable crown. The good news is that we don’t have to choose one or the other, we can have both of these incredible cream cheese frosting recipes in our lives! ๐
Today we are making The Best Cream Cheese Frosting and you’re going to love it. This recipe is tried and true and I’m confident you’re going to love the smooth and creamy texture and how easy it is to make.
My favorite way to use cream cheese frosting:
On a Nothing Bundt Cake Chocolate Bundt Cake dupe, of course. Keep your eye out for that recipe, it’s coming next week!
It’s delicious on cakes, cookies, cupcakes, even banana bread or pumpkin bread – there are SO many options.
Two Tips:
- I recommend sifting the powdered sugar for the smoothest texture, however it’s not a required step, and one I don’t always do (for those times when the goal is ‘good enough’ and not perfection, ya know?).
- Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on lowโunless youโre aiming for that โjust survived a snowstorm in the kitchenโ vibe. ๐
I can’t wait to hear about how you cooked – and nailed it! ๐
โค๏ธ Ashley
cream cheese frosting ingredients
Only five ingredients are needed to make this frosting. Make sure you allow about 30 minutes for the cream cheese and butter to sit at room temperature to soften up before you make this frosting (not pictured is the salt you’ll need – just a pinch helps to enhance the flavors!)
step-by-step instructions
Here’s a brief overview of the steps you will take to make this frosting. Full details are in the printable recipe card below.
- Prepare the ingredients – soften the cream cheese and butter by allowing it to sit at room temp. Sift the powdered sugar.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt.
- Gradually add in powdered sugar – slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on lowโunless youโre aiming for that โjust survived a snowstorm in the kitchenโ vibe.
- Check consistency and adjust as needed.
ways to use cream cheese frosting
There are so many delicious ways to use cream cheese frosting. Let’s start with my personal favorite:
- On a Chocolate Bundt Cake – my Nothing Bundt Cake Chocolate Cake Copycat will be up next week!
- Cakes – in addition to bundt cakes, it’s delicious on carrot cake, red velvet cake, vanilla cake, chocolate cake, etc.
- Cupcakes – so good on these Red Velvet Cupcakes or these Chocolate Cupcakes!
- Cinnamon Rolls from scratch or Fast and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
- Cookies – so delicious slathered on these sugar cookies!
- As a dip for a dessert board featuring pretzels, fruit, graham crackers, etc.
pro tip!
- Sift the powdered sugar for the best texture and if time allows. It doesn’t take long, but is an extra step.
- Mix on low and add powdered sugar one cup at a time.
- Chill if needed – if your frosting feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before you spread it or pipe it on cakes, cookies, etc.
storage tips
Store leftover frosting in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze cream cheese frosting for up to three months but I like to make and use it fresh.
I’d love to hear how this frosting turned out for you and how you used it! Share your photos on social media, or leave a comment below. Enjoy! :)
The Best Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ยฝ cup butter unsalted – room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยผ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This ensures a smooth and lump-free frosting.
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Start on low speed, gradually increasing to medium, and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the Vanilla Extract and Salt: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ยผ teaspoon salt to the mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until combined.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid a powdered sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Check Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the right texture.
Yes, you can make cream cheese frosting in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before using it on cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, etc.
For the best consistency, gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. You can add a splash of milk if the frosting is too thick, or add a little more powdered sugar if it’s too runny and needs firmed up.
Low-fat cream cheese is not recommended.