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Home » Recipe Type » Desserts » Cakes
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Cream Cheese Frosting

10 minutes
By: Pamela Reed
Posted:6/29/23
Updated:9/17/25
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Smooth, creamy, and tangy—this cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, and more. Recipe provides instructions for chocolate cream cheese frosting too!

Cream Cheese Frosting for Cupcakes

This classic cream cheese frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet, making it the ideal topping for cupcakes, cakes, and other desserts. I especially love using it on my favorite birthday cake or a fluffy pumpkin roll —that’s how I usually enjoy this frosting! With just four simple ingredients—cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk—you can whip up a velvety frosting in minutes.

For a fun twist, add cocoa powder to create a chocolate cream cheese frosting or adjust the sweetness to taste. This versatile frosting spreads easily, holds its shape, and is perfect for decorating or simply spreading over your favorite baked goods.

How much frosting does this make?

This recipe makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes or a 9×13 cake. If making more than that, simply double the recipe.

Ingredients

You will need 4 ingredients for this recipe: cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth frosting.

Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat the mixture until well combined.

Add milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much milk, as it can make the frosting too runny.

Once the frosting has a smooth and creamy texture, it is ready to use and frost cupcakes and cakes.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’d like to turn this into chocolate cream cheese frosting, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the bowl and mix.

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated. If you plan to use the frosting immediately or within a few hours, you can keep it at room temperature. Any longer than that, place in an airtight container, or cover the bowl of frosting with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

When you want to use the refrigerated cream cheese frosting, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. You may need to re-whip it briefly to restore its smooth consistency.

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Quick and Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting for All Desserts

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Smooth, creamy, and tangy—this cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, and more. Recipe will frost 24 cupcakes.
By: Pamela Reed
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
serves 24

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 3 1/2 cups confectioners powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  • Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk (1 tablespoon) into a bowl and use a electric mixer to blend all together, until frosting becomes fluffy. If frosting seems stiff, add 1 more tablespoon milk and continue mixing.
  • Using a spatula or butter knife, spread frosting on cupcakes or cake.
  • Enjoy this delicious Cream Cheese Frosting!

Notes

This recipe makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes or a 9×13 cake. 
If you’d like to turn this into chocolate cream cheese frosting, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the bowl and mix.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: cream cheese frosting
Vegetarian
Did you make this?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @BrooklynFarmGirl and don’t forget to leave a comment & rating below.

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Hi! I'm Pamela, an artist Mom who shares family recipes. My farm is a 1,000 sq ft apartment in NYC. Let's make dinner together.

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