Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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I’m thrilled to share my journey to making the ultimate cream cheese icing with you. It’s a recipe that has evolved from countless trials and the sweetest errors, one that has been requested at family gatherings and praised by friends at potlucks. And because I believe that joy is found in sharing, I’m ready to let you in on my little secret.

How to make Cream Cheese Icing

Cream cheese icing is a rich, tangy frosting made primarily from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s known for its smooth texture and balanced flavor, which complements a variety of baked goods, especially carrot cakes, red velvet cakes, and cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, also softened to room temperature
• 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract for that aromatic flavor depth
• Pinch of salt to balance the sweetness

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Before you begin, make sure the cream cheese and butter are both softened to room temperature. This will ensure your icing is smooth and free of lumps.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until the mixture is well-combined, smooth, and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the bowl, starting on a low speed to incorporate and then ramping up to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere. Continue to beat until the mixture is completely smooth.
4. Flavor with Vanilla and Salt: Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The salt is a tiny but mighty addition that enhances the flavors and cuts through the sweetness, giving your icing a more complex profile.
5. Adjust Consistency if Needed: If your icing is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream, beating well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can add more sifted powdered sugar, a little at a time.
6. Finish: Once all ingredients are fully incorporated and the icing is smooth and fluffy, give it a final stir with a spatula to ensure everything from the bottom and sides of the bowl is mixed in.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Icing:

• Temperature Matters: Both the butter and the cream cheese should be at room temperature to make the icing smooth. If they’re too cold, you’ll get lumps; too warm, and your icing may be too loose.
• Sift the Sugar: It might seem unnecessary, but sifting the powdered sugar helps avoid a grainy texture in your icing.
• Do Not Overbeat: Once you add the sugar, only mix until everything is just combined. Over-mixing can introduce too much air, making the frosting too fluffy for some uses, or it can cause it to become too thin as the fats in the cream cheese and butter begin to melt down.
• Variations are Welcome: Feel free to add citrus zest, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: If you’re not using your icing immediately, store it in the refrigerator. Before you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick mix to bring back its creamy texture.
• All About Balance: Taste as you go! If your icing is too sweet, add a bit more salt. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more sugar. Baking is a science, but it’s also about personal preference.

What to serve with

Cream cheese icing is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various baked goods. Its rich, tangy, and sweet flavor complements both sweet and slightly savory treats.

1. Cakes

• Carrot Cake: This is a classic pairing. The spiciness of the carrot cake combined with the smooth, creamy texture of the cream cheese icing is a match made in heaven.
• Red Velvet Cake: Another traditional choice, the vibrant color and cocoa-infused flavor of red velvet cake complement the cream cheese icing beautifully.
• Spice Cake: The warm flavors of a spice cake, which may include cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, are perfectly balanced by the cooling, creamy texture of cream cheese icing.
• Pumpkin Cake: A moist pumpkin cake with its fall spice profile (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) is another ideal candidate for cream cheese frosting.

2. Cupcakes

• Chocolate Cupcakes: While not as traditional, chocolate and cream cheese is a fantastic combination for those who prefer a less sweet frosting option.
• Vanilla Cupcakes: For a lighter option, vanilla cupcakes with cream cheese icing offer a simple yet delightful taste.
• Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes: The tartness of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries add a refreshing twist when topped with cream cheese icing.

3. Cookies

• Red Velvet Cookies: Like the cake, these cookies are rich and colorful, making a great base for cream cheese frosting.
• Pumpkin Spice Cookies: A dollop of cream cheese icing on these seasonal cookies transforms them into a decadent treat.
• Carrot Cake Cookies: Miniaturize the classic carrot cake into cookies and use the icing either sandwiched between two cookies or as a topping.

4. Bars and Brownies

• Cinnamon Rolls: Smear cream cheese icing on warm, freshly baked cinnamon rolls for a truly comforting treat.
• Fruit Bars: A tart fruit base like lemon or raspberry can be beautifully offset with a rich cream cheese topping.
• Carrot Cake Bars: Similar to the traditional cake, these bars make for easier serving and taste great with cream cheese icing.

5. Scones and Pastries

• Pumpkin Scones: A drizzle or dollop of cream cheese icing can add a sweet and tangy note to these spiced scones.
• Danishes: Incorporate a small spoonful of cream cheese icing into the center or as a drizzle over top of fruit-filled danishes.

6. Breakfast Delights

• Banana Bread: Add a unique twist to classic banana bread by topping it with cream cheese icing.
• French Toast: Elevate your French toast by using cream cheese icing either between layers or as a melt-in-your-mouth topping.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating cream cheese icing is relatively straightforward, usually involving cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. However, sometimes you might not have all the ingredients to hand or want to alter the recipe for dietary reasons or flavor preferences.

Cream Cheese Alternatives

• Neufchâtel Cheese: This is very similar to regular cream cheese but with a lower fat content. It should work almost identically in a cream cheese icing recipe.
• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cheese is creamier and can create a richer frosting. Keep in mind it’s also sweeter than regular cream cheese.
• Vegan Cream Cheese: For those avoiding dairy, various brands offer vegan cream cheese made from soy, nuts, or other plant-based ingredients. The texture and taste may vary slightly from traditional cream cheese.

Butter Substitutes

• Margarine: Margarine can be used in the same quantity as butter for a direct substitute though the flavor might be slightly different.
• Vegan Butter: If you’re making vegan icing, vegan butter substitutes can work well. Be mindful of the water content; some vegan butter might be less firm than dairy butter.
• Coconut Oil: Solid refined coconut oil can be a non-dairy alternative to butter, but this may impart a slight coconut flavor to the icing.

Powdered Sugar Alternatives

• Swerve Confectioners Sweetener: A sugar-free substitute that measures like powdered sugar; it’s useful for those looking to reduce sugar intake. It’s made from ingredients that don’t affect blood sugar levels.
• Coconut Sugar: If processed to a very fine powder in a food processor, coconut sugar can substitute powdered sugar. However, it’ll lend a caramel-like taste and a brownish color.
• DIY Powdered Sugar: If you only have granulated sugar, blend it in a blender or food processor until it’s a fine powder. You can add a bit of cornstarch (about 1 teaspoon per cup) to mimic the texture of commercial powdered sugar better.

Vanilla Extract Alternatives

• Almond Extract: For a different flavor profile, use almond extract. Use less, as it’s stronger in flavor than vanilla.
• Lemon or Orange Zest: Adding citrus zest can provide a fresh and tangy flavor to the icing, a great complement to certain cakes or cupcakes.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Seeds from a Vanilla Pod: This can offer a more intense and pure vanilla flavor and give your icing the speckled look of vanilla beans.

Lower-Fat or Lower-Sugar Alternatives

• Greek Yogurt: You can mix Greek yogurt with regular cream cheese to lower the fat content while maintaining the tangy flavor. Be cautious with the ratios to ensure your icing isn’t too runny.
• Neufchâtel Cheese: As mentioned before, this cheese already comes with lower fat content.
• Low-Fat or Reduced Sugar Cream Cheese: There are lower-fat and reduced-sugar versions of cream cheese that will work similarly to full-fat cream cheese but adjust your expectations on the richness and sweetness of the icing.
• Stevia or Erythritol: These are sweeteners that can replace sugar. Make sure to use the confectioners’ versions for a smooth texture, and be aware that different sweeteners may have different sweetness levels compared to sugar.

Final Thoughts

This cream cheese icing is versatile, easy to make, and an absolute delight on all your favorite cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. With these tips and tricks, I have no doubt you’ll master the art of this essential frosting.