Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Cream cheese frosting recipes have their own distinct flavor, which is the perfect complement to carrot cake. Banana nut cake is another cake that simply begs for homemade frosting made with cream cheese.

These easy frosting recipes can be made in a few minutes and kept in the refrigerator for several days. Though the butter keeps the cream cheese aftertaste to a minimum, as long as you also reduce the amount of powdered sugar accordingly, the butter can be reduced without harming the texture of the frosting. For example, if you reduce the butter from one cup to ½ cup, you should also reduce the powdered sugar from 4 ½ cups to about 3 ½ cups.

Whenever you experiment with the texture and taste of frosting, remember that it is the powdered sugar that creates the sweetness as well as the thickness of the frosting. Always add the powdered sugar gradually and keep in mind that stiff frosting can be thinned by adding one drop of milk at a time.

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients You Will Need:
8 ounces cream cheese, cold
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 cup butter, softened
4 ½ cups powdered sugar
Milk as needed

Use the electric mixer to blend the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. (Do not beat the frosting too long. A few minutes of mixing with suffice). Add the vanilla. Gradually add the powered sugar, about one heaping tablespoon at a time. If the frosting is too thick, add milk (one drop at a time), until you reach the desired texture.

Tips and Variations

• Use unsalted butter
• Do not use light cream cheese-it changes the texture and taste
• Garnish with coconut or chopped nuts
• Add food coloring to create a vivid splash on any cake
• Fold in ½ container of Cool Whip for a dreamier, creamier version
• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or grated vanilla bean to the recipe
• Add one tablespoon orange juice or lemon juice for a zestier frosting