Name: Only 3 ingredient Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 8 oz full-fat cream cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 2 cups confectioner's sugar; see notes to add flavors

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If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to take your fall baking up a notch, then you must try this 3 ingredient homemade Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. This is my go-to all-purpose cream cheese icing that is just the right amount of sweet.

It’s rich, smooth, creamy, and so versatile!

These healthier delicious donuts are tender and chewy. Loaded with sweet strawberries, warm spices, and of course cream cheese frosting; this handheld dessert tastes just like a sweet pancake pillow!

I love using it on everything from red velvet cake, pumpkin cake, layer cake, cinnamon rolls, and obviously homemade carrot cake. In the fall, this frosting is the perfect complement to pumpkin bars, pumpkin cookies, or spice cake — or spread it between graham crackers for a quick snack.

This is my favorite frosting recipe and is the best cream cheese frosting recipe for a super creamy, soft, smooth, and tasty treat that is just the right amount of tangy. This easy recipe can be made plain or by adding your favorite flavors.

ingredients for cream cheese frosting

cream cheese
unsalted butter
confectioner’s sugar

Cream cheese: To create the rich creamy flavor in this frosting, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese.

Unsalted Butter: Salt content in butters varies from brand-to-brand and in a recipe it will either enhance or mask flavors. Overly salty baked goods will result in a poor flavored product. Note that this recipe calls for the butter to be room temperature.

Confectioners’ sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, in frostings this sugar behaves differently than granulated sugars. Confectioners’ sugar dissolves easily and provides that smooth, creamy consistency that is needed in a frosting or glaze.

how to make cream cheese frosting

STEP ONE: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, mix together butter and cream cheese until smooth.

Beat together cream cheese, butter until tick and frosty

Add confectioner's sugar slowly half cup at a time as you do not want to make a mess

STEP TWO: Slowly add in confectioner’s sugar and mix until light and fluffy.

STEP THREE: Add flavors if desired.

Once you have the perfect whipped topping. You can keep plain or add flavor — Once you have desired consistency add flavoring (if using) and 1 tbsp.. at a time of heavy whipping cream.

This frosting is thick, sweet and delicious — Once you have desired consistency add flavoring (if using) and 1 tbsp.. at a time of heavy whipping cream.

Flavor options for Cream Cheese Frosting

Who doesn’t love extra flavor! Add these ingredients to your homemade cream cheese frosting recipe for added deliciousness:

Eggnog: 2 tablespoons eggnog
Pumpkin Spice: ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Maple: 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Chai Spice: ¾ teaspoon chai spice mix
Coconut: 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Lemon: 1 teaspoon lemon extract

how to store

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Because this frosting is made with fresh ingredients such as cream cheese and butter I do not recommend leaving it out at room temperature.

When it’s time to make your baked goods, simply bring the frosting to room temperature and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

FAQ

Can you over-whip cream cheese frosting?

It’s really easy to whip cream cheese frosting too much. The minute you see it starting to look fluffy and stiff, turn that mixer off! If it goes too long it can become a runny mess.

Can cream cheese frosting be used for piping bag?

Yes! Especially with this recipe because it is nice and thick. Note, this frosting is prone to melting in hot weather, but it pipes nicely and as you can see in the photos it holds its shape neatly as well. Be sure to make enough frosting to use on all your favorite cakes and baking recipes.

Will cream cheese frosting harden in the fridge?

Yes! So if your frosting is too soft to pipe once beaten, you can pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden up.

BBQ Bakers’ Tips & Tricks

Take the cream cheese and butter out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. The cream cheese must be completely softened to prevent lumps.
You can also use the microwave on 20% power in 15-second bursts to soften the cream cheese and butter.
The frosting can be used right away or it can be refrigerated. If it’s chilled, it will stiffen a bit. Bringing it more to room temperature will soften it.
If you intend to pipe your frosting, sift the confectioner’s sugar before mixing it into the cream cheese mixture as small lumps of sugar can clog up the piping tips, especially if you are using a fine tip

This all-purpose homemade cream cheese frosting is perfect for all your fall baking. The result is smooth, creamy, very spreadable and not too sweet!

Other easy frosting recipes to try: