Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature; Philadelphia brand recommended)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature; high quality butter recommended)
• 0.5 tsp salt (to cut the sweetness)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (high quality extract recommended)
• 5.5 cup powdered sugar (to thicken and sweeten)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the softened butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer fit with the whisk attachment.

2. 2

   Beat the butter and cream cheese together until homogenous and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

4. 4

   Add the vanilla extract, salt, and powdered sugar and whip to combine.

5. 5

   After about a minute of mixing, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the bowl again and beat for 2 more minutes until light and fluffy.

6. 6

   Use to frost your cakes as needed!

Notes

It is critical that the cream cheese and butter are at true room temperature (leave out for at least 3 hours) to prevent the frosting from splitting or becoming lumpy. Use the whisk attachment to incorporate air for maximum fluffiness. This frosting is forgiving; you can adjust the powdered sugar, vanilla, or salt to your personal taste.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• frosting
• baking
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• topping
• icing