Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

An easy cream cheese buttercream frosting for cakes, cookies or cupcakes, that uses cream cheese and powdered sugar.

If you’re looking for a creamy, rich frosting that’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, then cream cheese buttercream frosting is where it’s at! This frosting is seriously amazing on everything—cakes, cupcakes, cookies, you name it. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up. Let’s dive into making this irresistible frosting.

Cream Cheese Buttercream Icing on Banana Cake
Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

This cream cheese buttercream recipe is a dream! It’s got that velvety texture that spreads and pipes beautifully, making your baked goods look as good as they taste. The combination of softened cream cheese and unsalted butter brings a rich, slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the powdered sugar. Plus, it’s not overly sweet, so it won’t overpower your desserts.

What You’ll Need:

  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly.
  • Unsalted Butter: Also softened—this helps it mix evenly with the cream cheese for that silky texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sifted, so you get a light, fluffy finish without lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and flavor.
  • Salt: Just a little bit to balance the sweetness.
Cream Cheese Buttercream Icing on Banana Cake
Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

How to Make Buttercream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This is super important because cold butter or cream cheese can lead to lumpy frosting. You want everything to mix together seamlessly for that ultra-smooth texture.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine your softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no visible lumps, and everything looks fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar

Now, it’s time to add the powdered sugar. Start by sifting 5 cups of powdered sugar and slowly adding it to the butter and cream cheese mixture. This prevents it from flying everywhere when you turn on the mixer! Mix on low speed at first, and once the sugar is fully incorporated, bump it up to medium speed. You can add more sugar if you like a sweeter frosting, but I like to keep it balanced.

Step 4: Flavor and Finish

Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a nice depth of flavor, and the salt cuts through the sweetness, making everything taste more well-rounded. Mix for another minute until everything is combined and smooth.

Step 5: Frost Away!

Your buttercream frosting is now ready to use! Whether you’re spreading it over a cake, piping it onto cupcakes, or sandwiching it between cookies, this frosting is the perfect complement. It’s creamy, slightly tangy, and has just the right amount of sweetness.

Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing. This ensures a lump-free, smooth frosting.
  • Control the Sweetness: If you want a sweeter frosting, you can add more powdered sugar. Just keep in mind that the more sugar you add, the stiffer the frosting will get.
  • Chill for Stability: If you’re piping the frosting onto cupcakes or decorating a cake, pop it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes after mixing. This will help it firm up and hold its shape.

How to Store Buttercream Frosting

You can make this buttercream ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it, and give it a quick whip with your mixer to bring it back to life.

For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and whip it again before frosting your desserts.

Pairing Ideas for Buttercream Frosting

This cream cheese buttercream frosting is versatile and works with so many treats! Here are some of my favorites:

  • Red Velvet Cake: The slight tang of the cream cheese is the perfect match for this classic cake.
  • Cinnamon Rolls: Slather this frosting over warm rolls for the ultimate breakfast treat.
  • Carrot Cake: The richness of the frosting balances out the spiced cake beautifully.
  • Vanilla Cupcakes: Keep it simple with a classic cupcake base and this luxurious buttercream on top.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! A simple, delicious cream cheese buttercream frosting that you can make in no time. It’s perfect for everything from cupcakes to layered cakes. Plus, with its light sweetness and smooth texture, it’s sure to become your go-to frosting for any occasion. So go ahead and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Banana Cake on a White Plate with a Fork

Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

An easy cream cheese buttercream frosting for cakes, cookies or cupcakes, that uses cream cheese and powdered sugar.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 317 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 5 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3-4 teaspoon milk

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl or standmixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combined 16 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup unsalted butter, 5 cups powdered sugar (you can use more if you want. I didn't want an overly powdered sugar taste because I wanted it to taste more like buttercream), 1 tsp salt 4 tsp vanilla extract.
  • Add 3-4 teaspoon milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Nutrition
Calories: 317kcal
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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