Learn how to make a simple Cream Cheese Frosting! In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you the easy method to getting cream cheese frosting with a tangy sweet flavor and creamy texture every time.
Basics by The BakerMama
Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!
Simply Perfect
This easy Cream Cheese Frosting makes the perfect topping to cupcakes and cakes. With a thick, creamy texture and a sweet, slightly tart flavor, it’s super delicious and satisfying. It’s also very easy to make. Let me teach you the simple steps to getting the perfect cream cheese frosting every time.
Icing, Frosting and Glaze: What’s the difference?
What’s the difference between icing, frosting and glaze? It’s so easy to get confused! Because depending on where you’re from, these terms might be used interchangeably. Frosting is soft and spreadable. The difference between it and icing is mostly texture and what you do with it.
But here’s a crash course on the differences between icing, frosting and glaze and when to use them.
- Icing is thin, made from powdered sugar, milk and sometimes a flavoring, like vanilla. It firms up as it dries but stays pliable. You drizzle icing on cinnamon rolls and scones.
- Glaze is also thin but it hardens almost completely as it dries. It’s typically made from powdered sugar, sometimes butter, and a liquid (like milk, water, or juice). You glaze a donut.
- Frosting is soft, creamy and spreadable. It’s usually made from butter or cream cheese, confectioners sugar and flavorings. You frost cakes and cupcakes.
Cream Cheese vs. Buttercream Frosting
I like using cream cheese and buttercream frostings for different reasons. Buttercream frosting is very sweet and works beautifully on kids’ birthday cakes and cupcakes. It takes food coloring well so the color is easy to customize.
I use this homemade cream cheese frosting recipe for more sophisticated flavor combinations. Its flavor is a little bit tangy, and not too sweet. So it goes perfectly with recipes that have a little more subtlety. I love it for carrot and zucchini cakes, and to balance out the sweetness of red velvet cake.
Use this Skill: Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Moist, fluffy and spiced just right, these Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting bake up full of amazing texture and flavor. The cake is loaded with shredded carrot, coconut flakes, and chopped walnuts. And it’s topped off with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Scrumptious!
What Do I Need to Make Cream Cheese Frosting?
- Full fat cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
- Electric mixer with whisk attachment
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk. Beat until well combined.
- Slowly beat in the powdered sugar until thick and creamy.
- Pipe or spread frosting over a cake or cupcakes.
More Basics to Better Your Baking
- How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream: Make homemade whipped cream that will have you ditching the canned whipped cream once and for all. It’s an easy, sweet homemade touch that can’t be beat.
- How to Make Chocolate Ganache: Rich and versatile Chocolate Ganache is a chocolate lover’s dream. Learn the step-by-step method to making chocolate ganache that’s perfect for spreading on cakes and cupcakes.
- How to Make a Graham Cracker Crust: Sweet and buttery and the perfect mixture of chewy and crunchy, it’s the easiest, yummiest crust you’ll ever make!
- How to Make Cinnamon Sugar: With a cinnamon-to-sugar ratio perfect for sprinkling, topping, or mixing in your favorite recipes.
- How to Brown Butter: Learn simple techniques that take the mystery out of getting golden, frothy flavorful butter. With a caramel-like aroma and a nutty, savory flavor, browned butter adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your favorite baking and cooking recipes.
How to Store Cream Cheese Frosting
You can safely keep this frosting at room temperature for 6-8 hours. After that, cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Frosting is easiest to spread if it’s not too cold. If you make it in advance and refrigerate it, allow to soften up at room temperature for an hour before using. Stir gently before piping or spreading.
Freeze cream cheese frosting in a freezer safe baggie or container for up to one month. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
I hope you find these simple basics helpful! When you make something with the help of my BakerMama’s Basics series, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see and others can be inspired! Enjoy!
xoxo,
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Learn how to make a simple Cream Cheese Frosting! In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you the simple method to getting cream cheese frosting with tangy sweet flavor and great texture every time.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the milk and vanilla and beat until well combined.
- Slowly beat in the powdered sugar until thick and creamy.
- Pipe or spread frosting over a cake or cupcakes.
