Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting Recipe

If there’s one frosting I could eat by the spoonful, it’s got to be Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting. This luscious, rich, yet delicately tangy topping makes everything—from celebratory layer cakes to everyday cupcakes—taste absolutely irresistible. With the perfect balance of creamy texture and subtle sweetness, this frosting is a dream come true for anyone who loves a classic homemade dessert. Let’s make this family favorite together and watch all your baked goods shine!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of kitchen basics is all it takes to whip up this iconic Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting. Each ingredient plays an important role, ensuring you hit the sweet spot in taste, texture, and that creamy-white color everyone adores.

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Provides that classic buttery flavor and melts into the cream cheese for a silky finish.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Delivers the unmistakable tang, adding depth and richness—don’t skip this for the iconic taste!
• Powdered Sugar (3½ to 4 cups, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting while ensuring it stays cloud-like and smooth.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, floral notes and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a dash makes all the sweet and tangy flavors pop—it’s the small detail you won’t want to miss.

How to Make Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start off by adding your softened unsalted butter and cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. You want both ingredients to be at room temperature so they blend easily and become luxuriously smooth. Using an electric mixer, beat them together for a good 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides as you go, until the mixture is completely creamy with no lumps in sight.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually

Once your base is silky, it’s time to sweeten the deal! Sift the powdered sugar to prevent any pesky lumps, then add it to the bowl one cup at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition so the frosting stays fluffy and light instead of dense. This step also allows you to find the perfect level of sweetness and preferred consistency—less sugar for a softer, tangier spread, more for a thicker, pipeable swirl.

Step 3: Mix in Vanilla and Salt

Drizzle in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in that little pinch of salt. Beat everything together for another minute or two. You’ll notice the frosting get just a bit lighter and airier, ready for any sweet masterpiece.

Step 4: Adjust and Chill If Needed

If your Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting seems a tad too soft for piping, pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up. If it’s too thick, mix in milk a teaspoon at a time. Too thin? Sprinkle in more powdered sugar. With just a little tweaking, you’ll have the ideal texture for your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

A swirl of Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting is a canvas just waiting for a finishing touch! Try topping your frosted treats with a light dusting of cinnamon, vibrant citrus zest, colorful sprinkles, or even toasted coconut for a festive little flourish. Fresh berries also look stunning and add a burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

This frosting is a natural companion to classic red velvet or carrot cakes, but don’t stop there! Pair frosted cupcakes or cookies with a big glass of cold milk, a smooth cup of coffee, or even lightly sweetened iced tea. The creamy tang helps balance rich, spiced, or chocolaty bakes and elevates simple desserts in one swoop.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond basic cake frosting by spreading Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting between cookies for easy sandwich treats or piping big swirls on muffins for a bakery-worthy upgrade. For brunch, dollop some onto cinnamon rolls or banana bread. You can also tint the frosting with natural food colorings for a pop of color—pastel pink for baby showers, sunshine yellow for springtime bakes, or bold hues for a birthday party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from picking up unwanted fridge flavors. Before using, let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then give it a quick mix to restore its fluffy texture.

Freezing

This frosting freezes really well—simply spoon it into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, press out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then let it reach room temperature and rewhip if needed for that cloud-like consistency.

Reheating

There’s no need to actually heat your Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting, but if it’s too firm from the fridge or freezer, let it sit on the counter for 20–30 minutes. If it loses its silkiness, just whip it gently with a mixer to fluff it up again before spreading or piping onto your favorite desserts.

FAQs

Can I make Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! This frosting is actually delicious when made in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use and rewhip for best texture. Perfect for prepping ahead for parties or busy baking days.

Why did my frosting turn out runny?

This usually happens if the cream cheese or butter was too soft or warm, or if too much liquid was added. Try chilling the frosting slightly, then whipping in some additional powdered sugar until it’s thick again.

What cakes pair best with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting?

This frosting shines on carrot cake, red velvet, banana bread, pumpkin cake, or spice cake. It also works beautifully on simple vanilla or chocolate cupcakes and cookies for a flavorful upgrade.

Can I add flavors or colors to this frosting?

Yes! You can mix in citrus zest, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or different extracts (like almond or lemon). For color, add a few drops of gel food coloring for bold shades or natural alternatives like beet juice for a pastel pink.

Is this frosting pipeable for cupcake decorations?

Definitely! If you’d like especially crisp details, chill the finished frosting for 15–20 minutes before piping. It holds its shape nicely for swirls, borders, and even rosettes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up a bowl of Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting and transform your cakes and cupcakes into showstoppers. Once you taste its homemade goodness, there’s no turning back. Share it with loved ones or treat yourself—a little dollop of this delight goes a long way!

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