Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (Plus 4 Flavor Variations) - Always Eat Dessert (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between cream cheese frosting and cream cheese icing? ›

People call cream cheese frosting all kinds of things. Sometimes it's called cream cheese icing, other times cream cheese buttercream. In my mind, there's a huge difference between the two. Cream cheese icing is much thinner, and works great when glazing muffins, or topping cinnamon rolls.

A bowl of cream cheese frosting served with some sort of dipper might just be the easiest dessert we've ever made. Apple slices hold up well to sturdy frosting, as do pretzels and cinnamon pita chips. More delicious snacks to try: Strawberries, chocolate chip granola bars or thick-cut potato chips.

Texture: the higher ratio of butter gives this buttercream a denser feel. It's still very smooth and creamy but far less thick than American Buttercream. It's most similar in texture to a French or Swiss meringue buttercream.

Overbeating cream cheese frosting can make it too runny. When all the sugar is incorporated into the frosting, don't beat it for much longer to avoid overbeating. If the frosting is too soft, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden before piping.

Cream cheese frosting too runny? Try adding up to 1/2 cup of cornstarch into the runny frosting. Cornstarch helps to thicken the frosting without altering the flavor by absorbing excess moisture.

Use Full-fat Philadephia Cream Cheese.

I've also found that low-fat versions or any other brand of cream cheese isn't thick enough and results in a runny frosting. That's why I'd always recommend using full-fat Philadephia for a thicker cream cheese frosting.

Buttercream is smooth, sweet, and versatile, while cream cheese frosting offers a tangy twist and pairs well with specific cakes. The choice between them ultimately depends on your preference and the recipe you're working with.

Cream Cheese Frosting Is Perfect For Spiced Cakes And Breads

It's also, of course, the perfect frosting and filling for your red velvet cupcakes and cakes. However, its softer consistency can make it less stable and more difficult to work with when it comes to piping.

Mixing cream cheese with chives, radishes, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice creates a flavor-packed spread for this indulgent bagel sandwich.

Yes, cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated because it is prone to spoiling. However, cream cheese frosting can last up to two hours at room temperature, so you don't have to worry about eating cold cake.

Why does my cream cheese frosting taste weird? ›

Identifying the Causes: What Makes Cream Cheese Frosting Sour: Factors like inferior quality cream cheese, using ingredients past their prime, and an imbalance in acidity can lead to a sour frosting. Opting for premium cream cheese and fine-tuning the acidic components can be effective in avoiding that sour flavor.

And in the supermarket baking aisle, Duncan Hines Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting is the best on the shelf. It should be noted that, being a shelf-stable frosting, Duncan Hines Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting does not contain any cream cheese; instead, it uses flavorings and additives to (sorta) replicate its flavor.

Also make sure that the cream cheese. is the same temperature as the butter, so ideally room temperature. I microwave mine for a few seconds. to make sure it's just a little warm, because if you have warm butter and cold cream cheese, you're gonna get lumps. and they're really hard to get out.

Creamy ingredients like Nutella, cream cheese, marshmallow creme, peanut butter or another nut butter will give the store-bought frosting tons of flavor with some additional smoothness.

"Mix in an 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese," says Johnson. "The tartness will also help take away the excess sweetness of store-bought frosting."