What Is the Difference Between Frosting and Icing?

Frosting is thick and fluffy, while icing is thin and glossy. So how do you decide when to use cream cheese frosting over cream cheese icing? Icing is usually just sugar and a liquid, and tends to set and harden quite quickly, while frosting remains softer. Think of frosting as a broad-strokes addition, and icing as a thinner, more delicate decoration.

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Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 32
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3 cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed

Ingredients:4
Servings:32

By Stephanie WiseUpdated 05/08/2025

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:4
Servings:32

Sometimes, it’s the finishing touch that makes a whole recipe come together, and that’s doubly true when it comes to dessert. This easy Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, bars, cookies, and more. Our soft and spreadable cream cheese frosting comes together with just 4 ingredients you likely already have on hand, and it’s ready in just 5 minutes. And it’s so versatile! You can enjoy it as is on desserts like carrot cake and red velvet cupcakes, or customize the flavor to complement most baked desserts. When your recipe calls for deliciousness, Betty’s got your back. So let’s get started!

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In the Betty Crocker Kitchens, it’s all about achieving amazing results with as few steps as possible, with everyday ingredients, accessible techniques, and simple shortcuts. Homemade cream cheese frosting is a go-to classic for all of these reasons! As the finishing touch, the frosting practically makes the dessert, but it’s so much easier than you might think. This no-fail frosting recipe will give you the right results, every time. And did we mention it only takes five minutes?

Getting Started

All it takes is a stick of softened butter, a package of softened cream cheese, vanilla and powdered sugar. It’s important that you start with butter and cream cheese that have had some time to warm up. Gently press your finger into the butter and the side of the cream cheese package to test for softness. If your finger leaves an indent, you’re ready to begin. When your ingredients are soft at the start, next steps will be a breeze, and more importantly, the texture will come together quickly.

Build the Base

Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl, while scraping the sides, until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.

Add the Flavor

Stir in the vanilla until fully incorporated, then add the powdered sugar. Magic happens as the sugar and vanilla combine with the whipped cream cheese, and the whole mixture takes on a smooth, spreadable texture that’s perfect for frosting or piping, depending on what you’re making.

Just a few steps and you’ve got the perfect homemade Cream Cheese Frosting. Once you’ve got the texture you’re looking for, you’re ready to put the finishing touch on your dessert! You can find tips further below on how to make your frosting thicker if that’s something you’d prefer.

Storing Cream Cheese Frosting

This Cream Cheese Frosting recipe can be made in advance, saving you steps on dessert prep. If you’re making ahead of time, or if you don’t use all the frosting at once, storage is as simple as putting the frosting in an airtight container and keeping it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Here’s a tip to help it stay soft and fluffy: When you’re ready to use the frosting, let it come to room temperature. Stir again before using to get that perfect whipped cream cheese frosting texture.

Cream Cheese Frosting Flavors

One of the great strengths of this easy Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is its versatility. With just 4 ingredients, you can achieve the classic taste and texture, or make it your own by adding a dash of extra flavor.

Spice It Up

Add a touch of spice with a dash of cinnamon or boost the vanilla flavor by using the seeds of a fresh vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract. Feeling festive? Try pumpkin spice for seasonal flair.

Fresh Fruit

Stir in lemon zest or top the frosted treat with fresh berries to give your frosting a bright burst of flavor.

Bring the Sweetness

Take the sweetness up a notch with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or a sparkly dusting of granulated sugar.

Recipes Using Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting goes with just about any dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time, and it’s such a versatile flavor profile that it can be the perfect accent for cakes, cookies, bars, and more. Here’s just a few of Betty’s favorites that this cream cheese frosting recipe combines with perfectly. Whatever you pair it with, it’s a smooth, sweet addition that brings a wide range of dessert flavors to the next level.

Red Velvet Cupcakes: The contrast between the fluffy, white frosting and the rich, red cupcake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Pumpkin Spice Bars: A fall favorite that’s delicious any time of year, and a perfect chance to add a bit of flavor to the frosting itself.

Harvest Apple Cupcakes: A decadent yet wholesome cupcake that’s perfectly shareable.

Cranberry Bars: A touch of tangy goodness will make your dessert tray stand out.

Overnight Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Café-inspired confections, pair perfectly with a cozy cup of cocoa.

Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe is designed to deliver a thick, fluffy cream cheese frosting texture, but if you want to supercharge it, here are a couple of methods to try.

Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese. Low-fat varieties tend to have more liquid, which will result in a thin, runny cream cheese frosting.

Alternately, stir in additional powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you’re satisfied with the texture.

Absolutely! Soft cream cheese frosting is ideal for piping. One thing to note is that if it's too thin or warm, it can be difficult to work with. Not to worry. Stir in an additional tablespoon or two of powdered sugar until it's thick enough to hold it's shape, and then it will be ready to use. Just add the extra powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time, to be sure you don't accidentally add too much that will make it too thick so that it won't pipe easily.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep time:3 min
Total time:5 min
Ingredients:4
Servings:32
Calories per serving:170

Ingredient

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed

Instructions

Step 1
In large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed 2 to 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until smooth and creamy.

Step 2
Stir in vanilla, then stir in powdered sugar. Add more powdered sugar as needed until frosting is a thick spreadable consistency.

Step 3
Spread or pipe frosting on cooled cake or cupcakes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
170
Total Fat
9g
Protein
0g
Total Carbohydrate
21g
Sugars
20g

Servings: 32

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Amount Per Serving Calories : 170

Nutrition Facts
Food Component / Nutrient	Amount	% , Daily Value*
Total Fat	9g	15%
Saturated Fat	6g	28%
Trans Fat	0g	% Value Not Available
Monounsaturated Fat	2&½g	% Value Not Available
Polyunsaturated Fat	0g	% Value Not Available
Omega-3	0g	% Value Not Available
Cholesterol	25mg	9%
Sodium	85mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	21g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Soluble Fiber	0g	% Value Not Available
Insoluble Fiber	0g	% Value Not Available
Sugars	20g	% Value Not Available
Protein	0g	% Value Not Available
Vitamin D	Value Not Available	0%
Calcium	Value Not Available	0%
Iron	Value Not Available	0%
Potassium	20mg	1%
Vitamin A	Value Not Available	6%
Vitamin C	Value Not Available	0%
Vitamin E	Value Not Available	0%
Thiamin	Value Not Available	0%
Riboflavin	Value Not Available	0%
Niacin	Value Not Available	0%
Vitamin B6	Value Not Available	0%
Folic Acid	Value Not Available	0%
Vitamin B12	Value Not Available	0%
Pantothenic Acid	Value Not Available	0%
Phosphorus	Value Not Available	0%
Magnesium	Value Not Available	0%
Zinc	Value Not Available	0%
Manganese	Value Not Available	0%
Selenium	Value Not Available	0%
Copper	Value Not Available	0%
Beta-Carotene	Value Not Available	% Value Not Available
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Exchanges

Starch 0,
Fruit 0,
Other Carbohydrate 1&½,
Skim Milk 0,
Low-Fat Milk 0,
Milk 0,
Vegetable 0,
Very Lean Meat 0,
Lean Meat 0,
Medium-Fat Meat 0,
High-Fat Meat 0,
Fat 2,
Fruits 0c,
Vegetables 0c,
Grains 0oz-eq,
Meat & Beans 0oz-eq,
Dairy 0c,
Fats & Oils 1tsp

Carbohydrate Choice

Carbohydrate Choice1&½

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How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting