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Basic Cream Cheese Frosting

Read Reviews (661)

"Your basic cream cheese frosting." — JJ

Ingredients Edit and Save

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Original recipe makes 2 cups Change Servings

1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese

4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Directions

Beat softened butter and cream cheese until well blended.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy.

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This is a tried and true, classic cream cheese frosting, especially good on carrot and banana cakes. I've made this so many times I haven't needed to look at the actual recipe for years! I've always used 3-1/2 to 4 c. of powdered sugar, but you can certainly use less, down to as little as 2 c., if you like a less-sweet, thicker, firmer, more cream cheesey frosting. Add a little cocoa powder or melted chocolate, to taste, for Chocolate Cream Cheese frosting.

—naples34102

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Sep 09, 2009

I did not love this frosting. The taste was pretty good, but I actually would have preferred more of the cream cheese taste and less of the butter. The biggest problem I had was the frosting LITERALLY ran right off the cake as soon as it reached room temperature. This caused the top layer of cake to slide about three inches to the right. Once re-refrigerated, it was fine and hardened right up. Sorry, this one just wasn't for me.

—imallie

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806 Ratings

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Mar 13, 2003

Great frosting! I only used 2 cups of powdered sugar and it came out fantastic.

—peapodleaf

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Nov 06, 2003

Good basic cream cheese frosting. It is sweet, as other reviewers have noted, but isn't that the point? I made it exactly as reciped and it was the right consistency and flavor. It does make plenty for a three-tier cake. I made a basic white cake with strawberry preserves between each layer frosted with this frosting for my husband for Father's Day. I served fresh maserated berries on the side. Excellent! A definate keeper frosting recipe when you want something rich, sweet and dense.

—FREDRICA2

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Jun 05, 2003

I decorate wedding cakes and this is the most delicious (not to mention easiest) recipe I've come across. Great on cinnamon rolls, mocha, spice, and carrot cakes! I thought the consistency was perfect but I you feel you need to thin it add about a tablespoon of light karo.

—Hydi Jan

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Mar 27, 2008

This frosting is so yummy! I recommend starting with 3 cups of sugar and adding more to taste.

—Monica

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Feb 24, 2003

This is fantastic! I have been searching for a cream cheese frosting that is not too sweet and this is it! It is the perfect proportion of cream cheese, butter, and sugar. Enjoy!

—TRICKYGAL

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Jul 23, 2003

Well...I might as well glue this stuff to my butt because that's where it's going after I eat it all. This was a delicious frosting. I did alter it a bit to suit my taste. I used about 4-1/2 cups of powdered sugar, added a splash of almond extract and about an 1/8 of a cup of cream of coconut. I also added about a cup of chopped nuts for more of a tropical flavor. I spread this on top of a Mexican Wedding Cake while it was still warm (my mema's recipe) and wow...soooo good. Thanks JJ

—JOSIE

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Nutrition

Calories
291 kcal
15%

Carbohydrates
40.4 g
13%

Cholesterol
41 mg
14%

Fat
14.3 g
22%

Fiber
0 g
0%

Protein
1.5 g
3%

Sodium
111 mg
4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Basic Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Size: 1/12 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 291
Calories from Fat: 129

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14.3g 22 %
Saturated Fat 9g 45 %
Cholesterol 41mg 14 %
Sodium 111mg 4 %
Potassium 27mg < 1 %
Total Carbohydrates 40.4g 13 %
Dietary Fiber 0g 0 %
Protein 1.5g 3 %
Sugars 39.3g
Vitamin A 10 %
Vitamin C 0 %
Calcium 2 %
Iron 2 %
Thiamin < 1 %
Niacin 2 %
Vitamin B6 < 1 %
Magnesium < 1 %
Folate 2 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.