Dessert
Cream Cheese Frosting
Smooth, tangy, and luxuriously thick, cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for carrot cake, red velvet cake, cinnamon rolls, and brownies. The balance of sweet and tart makes it irresistible.
✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this
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Cream Cheese Frosting — common questions
Can I make cream cheese frosting ahead?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze, as the texture will become grainy upon thawing. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before using, but do not re-beat.
Why is my cream cheese frosting grainy or curdled?
The cream cheese or butter was too cold, or you overmixed the frosting. Ensure both are soft before starting, and beat gently just until combined. If it curdles, pour it into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring constantly, then refrigerate until it holds a shape again.
Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?
No. Low-fat and fat-free cream cheese have added stabilizers and thickeners that will make the frosting grainy or break. Always use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
How do I prevent cream cheese frosting from getting runny?
Always refrigerate the frosted cake or cupcakes, and do not leave the frosted baked good unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours. Ensure the frosting is thick enough before frosting; if too soft, add a little more powdered sugar.
Can I make it less tangy?
Yes. Use 170g cream cheese and 285g butter instead; this reduces the tang slightly while keeping the texture creamy. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda stirred in gently to neutralize acidity, though this is less common.
What's the best way to store a frosted cake with cream cheese frosting?
Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as the cream cheese can spoil. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
More frostings & baking basics recipes
- Buttercream Frosting Recipe 10 min
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- Chocolate Ganache Recipe 15 min
- Chocolate Sauce Recipe 10 min
- Lemon Curd Recipe 25 min
- Meringue Recipe 25 min
- Pastry Cream Recipe 15 min
- Royal Icing Recipe 5 min
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