This classic cream cheese frosting recipe makes the perfect topping for carrot cake, pumpkin bars, chocolate cake and more. It is rich and full of cream cheese flavor.
You have to have a great recipe for classic cream cheese frosting. It is a must in any baker’s arsenal.
It comes together quickly and is perfect for so many kinds of cake. Baking a carrot cake? You have to have cream cheese frosting!
Need something for your chocolate cake? Cream cheese frosting!
Making a strawberry cake? Wouldn’t it be lovely with some cream cheese frosting?!
You get my point. Anyway, this is easy and delicious and a must make in any kitchen!
Some people do half butter and half cream cheese in their frosting, but I love that this is almost all cream cheese. It leaves that cream cheese tang in tact and is perfect for Linda’s Carrot Cake, which just so happens to be where this recipe comes from!
If you are a frosting fanatic like me, check out my Frosting 101. It goes through the different types of frosting and links to all sorts of delicious recipes!
Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 lb about 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tablespoons butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter and cream cheese together
- Add sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth and creamy
- Frost cooled cake
Video
Nutrition
Carol
Friday 31st of March 2023
My recipe is exactly the same except mine calls for 2 tbl. of butter not 3. What can I do to make this recipe not so sweet? Should I add the 3rd tbl. of butter ? Would anything else helpful ?
Carlee
Friday 31st of March 2023
The extra butter will help a bit. You could also add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice to help reduce the sweetness. Alternatively, you could use less powdered sugar but you will need enough to give the frosting body.
Cassie Tucker
Sunday 13th of March 2016
Cream cheese frosting is my favorite type of frosting. Thanks for sharing with Tips and Tricks Link Party :)
Carlee
Sunday 13th of March 2016
it definitely ranks up there for me too, but it is hard to pick a favorite!
Katie
Sunday 6th of March 2016
Ooooooo I agree Carlee, I like to see the little flecks of vanilla in the frosting, too :) Perfect timing for Easter my dear!
Carlee
Monday 7th of March 2016
Those little specks just make it feel extra special! Thanks!
Michele
Saturday 5th of March 2016
Cream cheese frosting is my all-time favorite frosting flavor. I love putting it on chocolate cake. Or ANYTHING for that matter! This recipe sounds really good because it's made with mostly cream cheese and not half butter.
Carlee
Saturday 5th of March 2016
It definitely ranks right up there for me too! I love cream cheese frosting in all of its forms, but I really like how much this one taste like cream cheese. Yum!
Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies
Thursday 3rd of March 2016
Cream Cheese Frosting, one of life's greatest pleasures! Yours sounds outstanding!
Carlee
Friday 4th of March 2016
Yes mam! Thank you!