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Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

This classic Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is a luscious, smooth, and fluffy topping perfect for cupcakes and cakes. Made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste, it strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. The frosting is whipped to lightness and chilled briefly to achieve the ideal consistency for spreading or piping.

  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: Enough frosting for 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the Frosting

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, partially softened but still firm (rested at room temperature about 30 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened nearly to room temperature
  • 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups (300g to 420g) powdered sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is partially softened but still firm after resting at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Soften the butter nearly to room temperature as well.
  2. Cream Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and slightly fluffy, forming a creamy base for the frosting.
  3. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste to the mixture. Begin mixing on low speed to combine all ingredients evenly without creating a powder cloud.
  4. Whip the Frosting: Increase the mixer speed to high and whip the frosting for several minutes until it becomes light, airy, and fluffy, perfect for spreading or piping.
  5. Chill and Firm Up: Transfer the frosting to the freezer and chill for 3 minutes. Remove it and briefly mix again with the mixer. Repeat this chilling and mixing process up to two more times until the frosting is firm enough to hold its shape but not too cold or clumpy.
  6. Frost and Store: Use the frosting to decorate cupcakes or cakes as desired. Keep the frosted baked goods refrigerated until served to maintain freshness and texture.

Notes

  • The recipe yields enough frosting for 12 standard cupcakes. For cakes, increase the quantities accordingly.
  • Adjust powdered sugar between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • The chilling process helps achieve a frosting consistency that is firm yet spreadable, preventing it from running off the cake.
  • Keep frosted items refrigerated, as cream cheese frosting is perishable.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/