Description

This Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting is a smooth, creamy, and flavorful icing that’s easy to make and ideal for cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. Made with softened cream cheese and butter, it combines tangy lemon juice and pure vanilla extract for a well-balanced sweetness and depth of flavor. This frosting is quick to prepare and can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness and consistency.

Ingredients

Scale

Frosting Ingredients

8 oz Cream Cheese (at room temperature for easy blending)
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature)
2 cups Powdered Sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice (enhances flavor)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (adds depth to the flavor)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, ensuring that the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to facilitate smooth blending and a lump-free frosting.
Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and softened butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until creamy and fully combined, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Slowly add the powdered sugar starting at low speed to prevent powdered sugar dust from flying. Then increase to medium speed and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Incorporate Lemon Juice and Vanilla: Add the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, making sure to evenly distribute the flavors without overmixing.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your frosting and add more powdered sugar if a sweeter flavor is desired. Mix well after any addition to maintain the smooth texture.
Adjust Consistency: If the frosting feels too thick, add a small amount of milk and mix until the frosting reaches your preferred spreadable consistency.
Scrape Bowl Sides: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate any unmixed ingredients and achieve an even mixture.
Ready to Use or Store: Your cream cheese frosting is now ready to be spread on your baked goods. You can use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator until needed, allowing it to be chilled and firm.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Adjust powdered sugar quantity to achieve desired sweetness and consistency.
If frosting is too soft after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and re-whip before use.
This frosting pairs well with carrot cake, red velvet cake, and various cupcakes.
For a tangier flavor, you can increase the lemon juice slightly but do so sparingly to maintain balance.