Simple Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Home baking is one way to lower your food costs and get a better quality than anything you can get in the store. One of the best things you can learn to make at home is a simple cream cheese frosting. This can take things like Carrot Cake and Red Velvet cupcakes up a notch. This cream cheese frosting gives you the fluffiest, smooth velvet texture that is sure to please.

If there’s one thing that can elevate your baked creations to a whole new level, it’s a dollop of luscious, homemade buttercream frosting. No need to be intimidated – crafting your own creamy, dreamy frosting is simpler than you think. Let’s embark on a delightful journey to whip up a batch of irresistible buttercream that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What you need for a classic cream cheese frosting

Butter:

1 cup (2 sticks), softened at room temperature. Pro tip: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your frosting.

Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sifted to ensure a smooth and lump-free texture.

Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for that classic, aromatic flavor.

Milk or Heavy Cream: 2 to 4 tablespoons, to achieve the desired consistency.

How to make Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream the Butter

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light, fluffy, and has a pale appearance. This step is the foundation of creating a smooth and airy buttercream.

Add Powdered Sugar Gradually

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the creamed butter. This prevents a sugary explosion and ensures even incorporation. Keep mixing until the sugar is fully combined.

Infuse with Vanilla Goodness

Pour in the vanilla extract and continue to beat the mixture. The vanilla adds a touch of warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile of your buttercream.

Adjust the Consistency

Now, here’s where the magic happens. To achieve the perfect spreading consistency, add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time. Mix well and assess. Repeat until you reach the desired thickness. Remember, a little liquid goes a long way, so add cautiously.

Beat Until Fluffy

Turn up the speed on your mixer and let it work its magic. Beat the buttercream for 3-5 minutes until it becomes light, airy, and almost ethereal. This not only ensures a delightful texture but also incorporates air for that extra fluffiness.

I absolutely love the texture I get when using my KitchenAid mixer to make frosting.

Taste and Adjust

Give your buttercream a taste test. If you feel it needs a bit more vanilla or a pinch of salt, now’s the time to make those adjustments. Make it uniquely yours!

Voilà! You’ve Mastered the Art of Buttercream

Spread it over cupcakes, frost a cake, or sneak a spoonful straight from the bowl – your secret is safe with us. This simple buttercream recipe is your ticket to transforming any baked good into a delectable masterpiece.

Tips for Extra Pizzazz:

Colorful Creations: Add a drop or two of food coloring for vibrant, Instagram-worthy frosting.

Zesty Zing: Experiment with citrus zest like lemon or orange for a refreshing twist.

Chocolate Indulgence: Mix in cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey variation.

Now, armed with this easy buttercream recipe, go forth and frost with confidence. Your desserts are about to get a whole lot sweeter! 🧁✨

How to store a cake frosted with cream cheese frosting?

Storing a cake frosted with cream cheese frosting requires a bit of care to maintain its freshness and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store a cake with cream cheese frosting:

Cool the Cake Completely: Before even thinking about storage, make sure your cake has cooled completely. Warm cake can create condensation inside the storage container, leading to a soggy texture.

Refrigerate the Cake: Cream cheese frosting contains perishable ingredients, so it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from the refrigerator from affecting the flavor of the cake.

Use Cake Domes or Covers: If you have a cake dome or a cake carrier with a lid, that’s an excellent option. These containers help protect the cake and its frosting from drying out and absorbing any fridge odors.

Avoid Direct Contact: If using plastic wrap, ensure it doesn’t directly touch the cream cheese frosting. The wrap might stick to the frosting, ruining its appearance. Place toothpicks on the surface of the cake and wrap the plastic around them to create a protective barrier.

Store in the Fridge for Short-Term: For short-term storage (up to a few days), the refrigerator is your friend. If your cake has perishable fillings or toppings (fruit, for example), storing it in the fridge helps prevent spoilage.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you need to store the cake for an extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature to preserve its texture.

Prevent Odor Transfer: Store the cake away from strongly aromatic foods in the refrigerator. Cream cheese frosting can absorb odors, affecting the overall taste of the cake.

Slice and Store Individually: If you’re dealing with a large cake, consider slicing it before storing. This allows you to take out individual slices as needed, preventing the entire cake from being repeatedly exposed to air and temperature changes.

Enjoy at Room Temperature: Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor. This step is crucial for cream cheese frosting, as it tends to firm up when chilled.

By following these steps, you can keep your cake with cream cheese frosting fresh, moist, and delicious until it’s time to enjoy another slice.