Monday, September 21, 2020

Cream Cheese Frosting

This is my favorite cream cheese frosting recipe. It's so simple and easy to make and I use it ALL the time for all kinds of desserts. It really is my go-to frosting.

Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with zucchini cake, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and homemade oreos and so many other desserts.

cream cheese frosting


CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

I have come to the conclusion that cream cheese is a staple item. It wasn't always this way for me, but now it's something I always keep on hand.

The main reason? So I can make this frosting anytime I need to! 
cream cheese frosting



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INGREDIETS FOR FROSTING

  • cream cheese
  • salted butter
  • milk
  • vanilla
  • powdered sugar

HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS

HOW TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING FROM SCRATCH

Want my best tip for perfectly smooth and creamy frosting? Want to avoid lumps?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter have softened to room temperature!!

At least an hour before preparing the frosting, set the cream cheese and butter on the counter to come to room temperature. 

butter and cream cheese in a bowl



I'll be honest, when I'm in a rush, I'll pop it in the microwave to soften. But then you end up with hot spots, and/or melted butter which is not ideal. If at all possible, allow enough time to soften on it's own.

Cream together butter and cream cheese until completely smooth

Once the cream cheese and butter have softened, it's time to whip them together. Using a hand mixer, mix them together until mixture is completely smooth.

If you have not softened your cream cheese and butter sufficiently, you will end up with lumps. 

butter and cream cheese mixed until smooth

Add milk, vanilla and powdered sugar

Next add the milk, vanilla and half of the powdered sugar. Mix until combined, turning the bowl and scraping the sides while mixing.

Then add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy. 

adding powdered sugar, vanilla and milk to cream cheese frosting


SHOULD CREAM CHEESE FROSTING BE REFRIGERATED?

Yes. 

In researching this, I learned that cream cheese frosting can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that it should be refrigerated. 

So if you make a cake with cream cheese frosting, planning to eat it right away, there would not be a need to refrigerate.

However, should there be any leftovers it would be best to store them in the refrigerator.

HOW LONG DOES CREAM CHEESE FROSTING LAST?

Cream cheese frosting will last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer (see below for more freezing instructions)  

close up of cream cheese frosting

FREEZING CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

The recipe makes quite a bit of frosting. Depending on the dessert I'm making, I'll sometimes have left overs. 

Did you know you can freeze cream cheese frosting? Well, you can and it freezes wonderfully. 
Scoop the frosting into a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible and pop it in the freezer. It will then be good for up to three months. 

To thaw, place it in the fridge the day before using.

cream cheese frosting collage


A few more desserts that pair well with cream cheese frosting:


MORE FROSTING RECIPES

 


5 comments :

  1. I love cream cheese frosting. I must go look at your carrot cake recipe. Looks delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yum! I also LOVE cream cheese frosting. Mmmmm

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love cc any way I can use it. This is new to me. Thanks
    QMM

    ReplyDelete
  4. In the recipe it says just "t" for the millk and vanilla. Is this tbsp or tsp?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. teaspoon (Thank you, I will fix the instructions)

      Delete