Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting - Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe! (2024)

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Frosting

Keep this frosting recipe in your back pocket because it is incredibly versatile and so easy to make. The canned stuff just can’t compete. Here’s why you’ll be making frosting from scratch from now on:

• Alternative to basic vanilla. Cream cheese adds a tangy flavor that’s perfect with rich desserts like chocolate cakes (try it on this Gluten Free Chocolate Pumpkin Cake). It’s also a classic to decorate carrot cake or red velvet cake.
• So simple. This vanilla cream cheese frosting requires just five ingredients (one of them is even optional!), and one bowl.
• Easy to work with. Whether you’re using a butter knife, an offset spatula, or a piping bag, you can make a beautifully decorated cake or adorable cupcakes topped with sweet and creamy vanilla frosting. Keep reading for my tips for perfect piping or spreading.
• Sets up nicely. You won’t have to worry about drips, melting frosting or things not holding their shape. This cream cheese frosting maintains its shape so your baked treat looks great from the moment it’s made until you dig in.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Here’s an overview of what you need to make this simple fluffy cream cheese frosting. The full amounts you’ll need are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Butter. Use unsalted butter softened to room temperature for easy blending.
• Cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese will give the best flavor, but light works. Do NOT use fat free!
• Powdered sugar. Regular granulated sugar can add a gritty, grainy texture to your frosting.
• Vanilla. Use pure vanilla for the best warm flavor. If you want a pure white color, make sure to use clear vanilla extract.
• Lemon juice. For a touch of brightness in this sweet frosting.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Follow these steps to make this easy vanilla frosting:

• Blend the butter: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add the cream cheese: Mix in the cream cheese, vanilla and lemon juice.
• Add the sugar: Turn the mixer to low speed and slowly add the powdered sugar. Continue to mix until you have a smooth, thick frosting.

Tips for the Best Buttercream

How to Pipe Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

The texture of this frosting is perfect for piping. It holds its shape well so it will make you look like a pro regardless of your cupcake decorating skills.

To pipe frosting on a cake or cupcakes:

1. Open a large plastic zip-top bag or piping bag. If you’re using a tip, fix the tip onto the bag. A star tip is a great choice for frosting cupcakes.
2. Place the bag in a tall glass and fold the sides down over the edges of the glass. This holds the bag open so you can fill it.
3. Use a rubber spatula to transfer the frosting into the bag, filling it half-way.
4. Twist the bag closed and apply pressure from the top to gently and evenly squeeze the frosting out of the bag and onto your baked goods. For a swirl pattern like these red velvet cupcakes, start from the edge and work inwards, overlapping the frosting to make a neat little pile.
5. Lift the bag straight up when you’re done to make a cute kiss on top.

Tips for Spreading Frosting

If you don’t have a piping bag or just want to keep things simple, you can use a butter knife or an offset spatula to cover a cake in this cream cheese frosting. Make sure your cake is fully cooled and the frosting is at room temperature for easier spreading.

It’s best to do two layers of frosting on a cake to avoid any see-through or thin areas. I recommend putting the cake in the fridge between layers to let the frosting set up and harden a bit before adding the second layer.

Storage

Store leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container for up to three days. This is a great make-ahead recipe if you’re baking for a crowd. Before using the frosting, let it come to room temperature.

Can I Freeze Leftover Frosting?

Yes, you can freeze this frosting for longer storage. Keep it in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to one month. When you’re ready to use it, let the frosting thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature. You may need to mix the frosting with an electric mixer to give it a fluffier texture before using it to frost anything.

More Easy Frosting Recipes

• Homemade Chocolate Frosting
• Homemade Vanilla Frosting
• Cookies and Cream Frosting (Gluten Free Option)
• Peanut Butter Frosting