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The Best Classic Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth, Tangy, and Pipeable

A small, round cake generously covered in thick, swirled cream cheese frosting on a white plate.
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You need a reliable cream cheese frosting recipe that is smooth, rich, and holds its shape for decorating. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it the best homemade cake icing for red velvet cake, carrot cake, or cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Place the softened cream cheese and softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat them together on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  2. Add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. This prevents a sugar cloud in your kitchen.
  3. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. This whipping time is key for a smooth texture.
  4. Taste the frosting. If you prefer it sweeter, add more powdered sugar, a quarter cup at a time. If you want a tangier flavor, add a tiny splash of lemon juice (optional).
  5. If the frosting seems too soft for piping, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before using it to frost cakes or cinnamon rolls.

Notes

  • For the smoothest result, make sure both your cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature. Cold ingredients cause lumps.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar removes any small clumps before they enter your frosting mixture.
  • If you are using this pipeable cream cheese frosting for detailed decorating, use 4 cups of powdered sugar and chill it well before piping.
  • This recipe makes enough frosting for one 9-inch two-layer cake or about 18 standard cupcakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/best-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe-smooth-tangy/