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Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (Smooth and Pipeable)

A generous, fluffy swirl of white cream cheese frosting piled high on a small white dish.
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Make the best, easiest, and most reliable classic cream cheese frosting. This recipe yields a smooth, fluffy, and tangy topping perfect for red velvet cake, carrot cake, or cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 to 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 a large mixing bowl. Beat them together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the mixture. Mix briefly until combined.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
  4. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. This whipping time helps prevent lumps.
  5. If the frosting is too thin for piping, add the remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream. Beat until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For a lump-free frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
  • Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture for the smoothest texture.
  • To make this frosting pipeable for decorating, beat it for the full 3 minutes on medium-high speed to incorporate air and stabilize it.
  • If you need a slightly tangier flavor, reduce the powdered sugar to 3 cups.

Nutrition

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