Description
This homemade cream cheese frosting recipe delivers a smooth, creamy, and tangy frosting that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Made with softened cream cheese and butter, combined with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla and lemon juice, this frosting balances sweetness with a subtle tang to complement your baked goods beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounce package full fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 2 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese and Butter: Leave the cream cheese and butter out on the counter for an hour or two until softened, or microwave at low power (level 2) in 30-second increments. Ensure they are soft enough to easily push your finger into without melting.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: Add softened cream cheese and butter to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat for 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom frequently to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Add First Cup of Powdered Sugar: Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the mixture and beat until well combined. To avoid lumps, sift the powdered sugar if necessary.
- Add Second Cup of Powdered Sugar: Incorporate another cup of powdered sugar, beating well to maintain smoothness.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional for enhanced tang), and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. The lemon juice brightens the cream cheese flavor without making it taste lemony.
- Add Additional Powdered Sugar: Beat in another 1/2 cup powdered sugar thoroughly.
- Adjust Consistency and Sweetness: Taste the frosting and decide if more powdered sugar is needed. For piping or sturdier frosting (e.g., for layer cakes), add up to an additional 1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar as desired, keeping in mind this will reduce the tanginess.
- Finalize Flavor Adjustments: Adjust salt, lemon juice, and vanilla to taste to achieve your preferred balance of flavors.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese and butter properly is key to a smooth frosting without lumps.
- Sifting the powdered sugar helps prevent clumps in the frosting.
- Lemon juice is optional but recommended for a balanced tangy flavor.
- Adding more powdered sugar will make the frosting stiffer but less tangy, so add gradually based on your needs.
- This frosting is best used immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
