Frosting will make or break your cake. It’s true. How many grocery store or mass produced slices have you had where, in politeness to the host, you’ve scraped the frosting off so the rest was somewhat edible? Or asked for another slice because the topping was so good? In my world, more than I can count.
For the sake of your cakes–and those eating them–give this BEST EVER cream cheese frosting recipe a try. It’s easy to make, and should only take about 7 minutes to whip up.
This cream cheese frosting recipe is mom approved. As in, my mother calls me every time she makes a carrot cake to ask how to make it because it’s easy and yummy.
Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting
This double batch is enough to frost a 2 layer cake with a generous filling, or two dozen high hat cupcakes. I know this recipe by heart, because it’s all two units of each of the ingredients: 2 block, 2 sticks, 2 pounds and two teaspoons. Or one of each if you don’t need as much frosting.
If you’re in a hurry and forget about softening the cream cheese and butter, unwrap them, drop them in a bowl, and nuke for 20 seconds. (That means put them in the microwave.) They shouldn’t be melted, but they should be pliable so they are easy to whip.
Ingredients:
- 2 8-0z blocks cream cheese, softened
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 2 lbs powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Place the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer.On medium, blend for about 2 minutes until they cream cheese and butter are thoroughly combined.
Add the vanilla and mix again.
Add your powdered sugar in batches. This is only so your sugar doesn’t explode all over the kitchen (it’s no fun to clean up!) Put a third of the powdered sugar bag in the bowl and turn the mixer on on its lowest setting until the sugar incorporates, then add more sugar.
Once you have all the sugar in the bowl, turn the mixer on high for about 2 1/2 – 3 minutes. This will whip air into the frosting and make it nice and fluffy!
Cream cheese and butter have a tendency to melt, so keep your finished cakes and cupcakes in the refrigerator. If you make extra and want to store it, I have successfully frozen this frosting, thawed it, then threw it back in the mixer to whip it back up.
Best Ever Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 8- oz blocks cream cheese softened
- 2 sticks butter softened
- 2 lbs powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer.On medium, blend for about 2 minutes until they cream cheese and butter are thoroughly combined.
- Add the vanilla and mix again.
- Add your powdered sugar in batches. This is only so your sugar doesn't explode all over the kitchen (it's no fun to clean up!) Put a third of the powdered sugar bag in the bowl and turn the mixer on on its lowest setting until the sugar incorporates, then add more sugar.
- Once you have all the sugar in the bowl, turn the mixer on high for about 2 1/2 - 3 minutes. This will whip air into the frosting and make it nice and fluffy!
Author Note: All Vanilla is NOT Created Equal!
Just a note on ingredients, here. I was out of my favorite vanilla when I wrote this post, so I used a good quality Vanilla Extract in my recipe. The quality and kind of vanilla you use will make a big difference in the way your baking or frosting tastes. I know they’re a little more expensive, but this is a place where spending a little extra is really worth it!
In general, bourbon or Madagascar vanilla pastes with whole bean flecks in it are going to be your flavor bests. Plus, I think the little vanilla bean flecks in my baking makes it look extra yummy. Nielsen Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste is my go-to when I can find it.
You also don’t want corn syrup or any other unnatural ingredients in your extracts. Don’t use the imitation or “vanilla flavor” products. You’ll get less than stellar results.
Shannon Lindfield
Thursday 15th of February 2024
Your recipes sound delicious!! I can't wait to try a bunch of them.
Sandra
Tuesday 24th of February 2015
Vanilla bean paste is my favorite and I'm looking forward to trying your recipe. Other than Swiss Meringue Buttercream, finding a delicioius and easy Cream Cheese frosting can be a challenge.
Chloe Crabtree
Thursday 19th of February 2015
First off, I love that this recipe is so easy to remember, with your 2, 2 and 2 recipe! I am always looking for a new recipe for a yummy frosting, and I think this sounds just wonderful! I will be trying this one soon! Very soon!