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Best Ever Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting | Smooth, Tangy & Holds Its Shape

A beautiful swirl of fluffy white cream cheese frosting piped onto a small white plate.
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This recipe delivers the best homemade cream cheese frosting. It is luxuriously smooth, perfectly tangy, and stable enough for piping and decorating cakes and cinnamon rolls. You can make this reliable frosting in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Place the softened cream cheese and softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and lump-free. Scrape the bowl again as needed.
  4. If the frosting seems too soft for piping, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before using. If it is too stiff, add 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream and beat briefly to soften.
  5. Use immediately to frost layer cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For bakery-style results and stability, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at the correct room temperature—soft but not greasy or melted.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps in your final frosting.
  • To make this frosting ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and beat briefly before using.
  • For a lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest with the vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/best-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-smooth-tangy/