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Cream Cheese Frosting

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  • Prep 3 min
  • Total 5 min
  • Servings 32
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You know that no cake, cupcake, bar or cookie is complete without the perfect layer of cream cheese icing or frosting. Luckily, our spreadable and creamy homemade recipe is ready in just 5 minutes with 4 simple ingredients. Sweet with just the right amount of tang, this from-scratch Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the perfect finish for carrot cake, red velvet cupcakes, pumpkin-spice bars and more. Soon you'll be adding this cream cheese frosting recipe to everything on the dessert tray and more.
By Stephanie Wise
Updated Feb 11, 2021
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed

Steps

  • 1
    In large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed 2 to 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth and creamy.
  • 2
    Stir in vanilla, then stir in powdered sugar. Add more powdered sugar as needed until frosting is a thick spreadable consistency.
  • 3
    Spread or pipe frosting on cooled cake or cupcakes.

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

  • tip 1
    This is a classic buttercream version, except that the cream cheese takes on a supporting role with the butter.
  • tip 2
    Frost any spiced cake or cookies with this luscious spread. Its rich flavor brings a party to a spice or carrot cake, banana bread or zucchini muffins.
  • tip 3
    Store any unused frosting in an airtight container; refrigerate and use within 5 days. Please bring it to room temp and give it a good stir before using.
  • tip 4
    Add a dash of cinnamon to the frosting for a spiced flavor, or use the seeds of a vanilla bean instead of the vanilla for extra vanilla flavor.

Nutrition

170 Calories, 9g Total Fat, 0g Protein, 21g Total Carbohydrate, 20g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
170
Calories from Fat
80
Total Fat
9g
15%
Saturated Fat
6g
28%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
25mg
9%
Sodium
85mg
4%
Potassium
20mg
1%
Total Carbohydrate
21g
7%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
20g
Protein
0g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
6%
6%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
0%
0%
Iron
0%
0%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
1 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

  • The secret to making perfect cream cheese icing is to let the butter and cream cheese come to room temperature before you start mixing them together. Gently press your finger into the butter and the side of the cream cheese package to test for softness. If your finger leaves an indent, you’re ready to begin. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically as you work, to make sure the mixture blends well. When your icing is combined, you can add vanilla and powdered sugar. It’s best to switch to a wooden spoon when combining these last two ingredients. Ready to get started? Follow our step-by-step instructions for making cream cheese frosting. And when you’ve mastered this delicious frosting, feel free to explore the rest of our frosting recipes.
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