This is my favorite cream cheese frosting recipe. It's so simple and easy to make and I use it ALL the time for all kinds of desserts. It really is my go-to frosting.

Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with zucchini cake, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and homemade oreos and so many other desserts.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

I have come to the conclusion that cream cheese is a staple item. It wasn't always this way for me, but now it's something I always keep on hand.

The main reason? So I can make this frosting anytime I need to! 

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INGREDIETS FOR FROSTING

• cream cheese
• salted butter
• milk
• vanilla
• powdered sugar

HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS

• electric hand mixer - I love that this one has a built in case for the different attachments!
• bowl
• spatula

HOW TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING FROM SCRATCH

Want my best tip for perfectly smooth and creamy frosting? Want to avoid lumps?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter have softened to room temperature!!

At least an hour before preparing the frosting, set the cream cheese and butter on the counter to come to room temperature. 

I'll be honest, when I'm in a rush, I'll pop it in the microwave to soften. But then you end up with hot spots, and/or melted butter which is not ideal. If at all possible, allow enough time to soften on it's own.

Cream together butter and cream cheese until completely smooth

Once the cream cheese and butter have softened, it's time to whip them together. Using a hand mixer, mix them together until mixture is completely smooth.

If you have not softened your cream cheese and butter sufficiently, you will end up with lumps. 

Add milk, vanilla and powdered sugar

Next add the milk, vanilla and half of the powdered sugar. Mix until combined, turning the bowl and scraping the sides while mixing.

Then add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy. 

SHOULD CREAM CHEESE FROSTING BE REFRIGERATED?

Yes. 

In researching this, I learned that cream cheese frosting can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that it should be refrigerated. 

So if you make a cake with cream cheese frosting, planning to eat it right away, there would not be a need to refrigerate.

However, should there be any leftovers it would be best to store them in the refrigerator.

HOW LONG DOES CREAM CHEESE FROSTING LAST?

Cream cheese frosting will last for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer (see below for more freezing instructions)  

FREEZING CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

The recipe makes quite a bit of frosting. Depending on the dessert I'm making, I'll sometimes have left overs. 

Did you know you can freeze cream cheese frosting? Well, you can and it freezes wonderfully. 
Scoop the frosting into a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible and pop it in the freezer. It will then be good for up to three months. 

To thaw, place it in the fridge the day before using.

A few more desserts that pair well with cream cheese frosting:

• Chocolate Chip Walnut Brownie Cupcakes 
• Carrot Cake 
•  Cinnamon Rolls 
• Cream Cheese Braid 
• Jiffy Cinnamon Rolls
  

MORE FROSTING RECIPES

• White frosting recipe
• Simple chocolate frosting