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The Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, Tangy, and Pipeable

A tall, perfectly piped swirl of rich cream cheese frosting sitting on a small white plate.
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You need this recipe for the best classic cream cheese frosting. It is smooth, rich, tangy, and easy to make in under 10 minutes. This frosting holds its shape well for decorating cakes and is perfect for cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

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  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to prevent lumps.
  2. Add 3 cups of the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Start mixing on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high. Beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  3. If you want a thicker, pipeable cream cheese frosting, add the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, one quarter cup at a time, beating well after each addition until you reach your desired stiffness.
  4. If the frosting seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before using it to frost cakes or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For the smoothest texture, make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
  • If you are using this as a cream cheese topping for cinnamon rolls, you can thin it slightly by adding 1 teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until it reaches a drizzle consistency.
  • This recipe makes a tangy cream cheese icing that balances sweetness well, but if you prefer it sweeter, increase the powdered sugar slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-best-smooth/