Basic Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Try out this Basic Cream Cheese Icing. Cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar are mixed together to create a light, creamy icing that can be used on a variety of baked goods. 

This Cream Cheese Icing is perfect for using on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon buns, as dips with fruit, or on anything you feel would taste better with a little bit of icing.

This icing is finger lickin’ good!

You only need a few ingredients to make Icing but the results taste so good.

Cream cheese is sweetened and whipped up to make the perfect icing. It lasts 2 weeks in the fridge.

You can also freeze this icing and use it later. Keep a jar of this icing on hand for when you want to slather a little icing on something.

In about 10 minutes, you’ll have light, creamy icing ready to enjoy!

HOW TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE ICING

Cream cheese, butter, and powdered icing sugar are whipped up into a light creamy icing the whole family will enjoy!

Are you ready to get started?

You’ll find the specific ingredient amounts and detailed instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

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• Measuring Spoons – I LOVE my set of these!
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer with Bowl
• Spatula

ICING INGREDIENTS

This fun and easy Basic Cream Cheese Icing recipe uses everyday kitchen staples to create a delicious icing you can use on a variety of baked goods.

All you need is:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

ICING RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

Begin by adding all of the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer.

Mix on medium speed until well combined. The frosting will be thick and creamy. The longer you mix the frosting the fluffier it will be due to the air being incorporated.

Make sure to not overmix because it will cause the icing to become runny.

Use on your baked goods or store in an airtight container.

In 10 minutes, you’ll have a creamy icing that’s sure to become a new favorite!

ICING TIPS AND QUESTIONS

If you’ve never made frosting using cream cheese, don’t worry!

Below are some common questions and helpful tips.

Hopefully, this will answer any questions you may have. If not, feel free to ask in the comments and I’ll answer the best I can.

HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE TO MAKE ICING?

Cream cheese icing can be whipped up in minutes. This Icing recipe takes approximately 10 minutes. TOTAL.

This includes:

• About 5 minutes of prep time
• Close to 5 minutes to mix until well combined

HOW DO I STORE THIS ICING?

You can store Cream Cheese Icing in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in your freezer for up to 3 months.

Simply unthaw the night before and stir and add to your piping bag.

WHAT CAN I USE CREAM CHEESE ICING ON?

You can use this icing on so many recipes. Icing always adds a yummy touch to any baked good.

Cream cheese icing goes great on cinnamon buns, cookies, cakes like carrot cake, and cupcakes.

CAN I MAKE CREAM CHEESE ICING AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can easily make this yummy icing the day before serving.

Simply store the icing in an airtight container and then stir before using. 

WHAT GOES WELL WITH THIS ICING?

This icing goes well with a wide variety of recipes.

These recipes would all work great with added cream cheese icing.

Some of my personal favorites include:

• Quick Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
• Crockpot Apple Cobbler
• Apple Blueberry Donuts
• Pumpkin Donuts
• Apple Slices (dip them into the cream cheese icing)

CAN I USE LOW-FAT CREAM CHEESE INSTEAD OF REGULAR CREAM CHEESE?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe instead of regular cream cheese.

The steps will be pretty much the same.

I’ve also read you can use cottage cheese to lower the fat but I’ve never tried it.

DOES CREAM CHEESE ICING HARDEN?

Yes, this icing can harden when it is colder.

If you frosted a baked good with cream cheese icing and put it in the refrigerator then the icing will harden.

As soon as you leave the baked good at room temperature the icing will soften. 

CAN YOU OVER BEAT ICING?

Yes, you can overbeat this icing. When cream cheese icing is over beat it will breakdown and start to look runny. 

SHOULD YOU REFRIGERATE BAKED GOODS WITH ICING?

Yes, you should refrigerate baked goods that contain cream cheese icing.

Since this icing can harden when cold, it is suggested to remove the baked goods from the refrigerator about an hour before serving so the frosting has time to soften. 

WHAT ELSE CAN I ADD TO THIS ICING RECIPE?

This simple Cream Cheese recipe not only tastes great, but it’s also incredibly versatile.

Try adding gel food coloring for a colorful icing. YUM!

CREAM CHEESE ICING RECIPE

WHAT’S NEXT

I hope you enjoy this homemade icing recipe as much as my family does!

If you get a chance to try it, let us know! Leave us a comment below, or share it with a picture on Instagram or Facebook! Don’t forget to tag us @kelly_reci_ and use the hashtag #Kellysthoughtsonthings so we can see what amazing meals you are cooking up!