A smooth and creamy frosting perfect for cakes and bars, this Easy Cream Cheese Frosting is so flavorful. This frosting is only 4 ingredients and goes well on so many desserts. (Or even on graham crackers!)
Some of the most delicious recipes are topped with frosting. This Easy Cream Cheese Frosting can be added to recipes like Pumpkin Bars or Applesauce Cake. The frosting is so easy to put together and the perfect topping to cake, cookies or bars.
The four ingredients you need to make this cream cheese frosting are likely to be in your fridge and pantry already. This frosting would go well on mandarin orange cake, white velvet cookies or homemade cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients
- cream cheese - Philadelphia cream cheese (more below)
- butter - softened
- powdered sugar
- vanilla
Cream cheese types
Any type of cream cheese can be used, however for a "zing" in flavor, Philadelphia Cream Cheese is the hands down winner. If I am baking, I will use any brand. If I want the cream cheese flavor to stand out and be the star, Philadelphia is the way to go.
Mixing up the frosting
It is very important to set the butter and cream cheese out on the counter for about 30 minutes before making this frosting. The butter and cream cheese needs to soften a bit for easy and smooth mixing. This will help prevent lumps in the frosting.
It is also helpful to have a stand mixer or a hand held mixer to mix the ingredients. Mixing the butter and cream cheese by hand is a little tough so using a mixer is best.
Storage
Use this frosting immediately on cakes, bars or cookies. If needed to store, place in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Yes, this frosting recipe is perfectly easy topping for all desserts. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Easy Cream Cheese Frosting
Print PinEquipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar may use 3 cups
Instructions
- Mix softened cream cheese and butter until blended.
- Blend in vanilla.
- Add powdered sugar a little at a time until blended in, slowly so the powdered sugar doesn't fly around your kitchen (using an electric mixer).
- Blend well, adding more powdered sugar for the desired consistency.
- Spread over cake or place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Emily says
So good! The taste of the icing is perfect balance of creamy and vanilla and would go good on any cake! Will definitely be using this recipe again!!
Kim Strawn says
Thank you so much! It is the perfect frosting on so many cakes and bars! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.