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The Dreamiest Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe (It Goes on Everything!)

Calling all frosting fans! Today, we’re diving into the world of creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. This recipe is not only unbelievably delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. While it pairs perfectly with my carrot cake, this frosting elevates everything from sugar cookies to carrot pancakes.

And the best part? This recipe comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. So, ditch the store-bought frosting and whip up this homemade version that’s guaranteed to impress.

Ready to make Cream Cheese Frosting? Let’s do it!

Gather your ingredients:

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (this is crucial!)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sour cream

Step 1: Cream the cheese and butter.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Tip: For an extra smooth frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened at room temperature. No peeking in the fridge!

Step 2: Sift in the powdered sugar.

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed mixture, beating on low speed until just incorporated. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for another minute or two. This ensures a light and airy frosting.

Step 3: Flavor party!

Now comes the fun part: adding the flavorings. Pour in the vanilla extract and sour cream, and beat again until fully combined. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: Frosting finesse.

Once you’ve reached your desired consistency and sweetness, your cream cheese frosting is ready to use! Spread it over your favorite cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. You can even pipe it onto cupcakes for a decorative touch.

Pro tip: For a thicker frosting, ideal for piping, add an additional tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

🎬 Watch How to Make This Recipe

Want to see this recipe come to life? Check out this video where I walk you through the entire process, step-by-step!

But wait, there’s more!

This cream cheese frosting recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touches:

Chocolate lover? Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the frosting for a rich chocolatey twist.
Citrus twist? Zest in some fresh lemon or orange zest for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Spice things up! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth and depth to the frosting.
Get nutty! Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a delightful textural contrast.

No matter how you choose to customize it, this cream cheese frosting recipe is sure to become your go-to. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and utterly delicious. So, grab your ingredients, watch the helpful video tutorial included in this post, and get frosting!

Happy baking!

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