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Decorator’s Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Decorator’s Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 32 reviews

Decorator’s Cream Cheese Frosting is a smooth, creamy, and rich frosting perfect for piping or spreading on cakes and cupcakes. This recipe combines softened butter and cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to produce a classic cream cheese flavor that is not overly sweet. It offers a slightly tangy taste and can be adjusted for firmness, making it ideal for both icing delicate cakes and decorating more intricate designs.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter and Cream Cheese Base

  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Flavorings and Sweeteners

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3½ cups powdered sugar (1 pound)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cream cheese emulsion (optional)

Liquid for Consistency

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is super smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  2. Add Flavorings: Add the salt, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream cheese emulsion if using, then mix until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Adjust Consistency: Add one tablespoon of milk and mix the frosting for at least two minutes. Add additional milk or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired consistency for spreading or piping.
  4. Use or Store: Spread or pipe the frosting immediately onto your baked goods. Alternatively, store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes

  • For added stability, substitute ¼ cup of shortening for ¼ cup of the butter to make the frosting firmer and hold its shape better during warm conditions or extended decorating sessions.
  • This recipe yields approximately 2.5 to 3 cups of frosting, enough for a 9×13-inch cake, a two-layer cake without extra decoration, or 12 to 24 cupcakes, depending on the amount of frosting applied.
  • Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the frosting or use it as a filling between graham crackers for a delicious treat.

Nutrition

Keywords: cream cheese frosting, decorator frosting, cream cheese buttercream, easy frosting recipe, cake frosting, cupcake frosting