My personal favorite, cream cheese frosting is versatile and tastes amazing! Carrot cake, white cake, chocolate cakes…all taste delicious topped with this frosting. There are several variations that will be posted with this recipe: Chocolate cream cheese frosting, strawberry cream cheese frosting with real strawberries in it, and a maple version that is amazing on a cupcake brushed with warm maple syrup and then topped with maple cream cheese frosting with candied bacon.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Versatile, tangy, and goes with almost anything, cream cheese frosting is a staple for baked cookies and cakes.
Ingredients
- One 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- One stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened to room temperature
- 500 grams or approximately 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- pinch of salt
Directions
- Using an electric stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar, mixing very well. It will be stiff.
- Add vanilla or vanilla bean paste (you can measure with your heart!)
- Add pinch of salt and mix well.
- Be sure to cream the butter and cream cheese well. It is much easier to do when both are room temperature.
- If you feel your frosting is too stiff, add a bit more vanilla or a tiny splash of milk.
- If you feel your frosting is not stiff enough, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Frosting will freeze well for about 3-4 months. To use, let come to room temperature and mix well.
VARIATIONS
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
Reduce vanilla to 1/2 teaspoon and add 2 Tablespoons fresh strawberry puree and 4 Tablespoons powdered freeze dried strawberries. If too thin, add powdered sugar. If too thick, add strawberry puree.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
Add 6 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder. If frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
Add 4 Tablespoons Maple Syrup and reduce vanilla to 1/2 teaspoon. You may need to add a bit more powdered sugar. Top frosted cake, cupcakes, or cookies with candied bacon for an extra treat!
cooking with ree 
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