Vanilla Frosting with Cream Cheese

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting is rich, creamy, and slightly tangy — the perfect match for cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and cookies. This simple, foolproof recipe will give you perfectly fluffy cream cheese frosting every time, plus tips to make sure it turns out just right.

I have always loved a cream cheese frosting / icing. My friend Catherine introduced me to cream cheese frosting many, many years ago and I remember thinking what is in here?! This is amazing! Cream Cheese is this secret ingredient that takes an ordinary frosting (that just tastes really sweet) to a tangy, creamy but also sweet, frosting – it just feels more balanced.

If you are looking for a wonderful and easy vanilla cupcake recipe for this vanilla cream cheese frosting, then try these that I always make.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Frosting

• Easy to make – Just a few simple steps and ingredients.
• Smooth & creamy – The perfect spreadable texture.
• Balanced flavour – Tangy cream cheese offsets the sweetness and gives it that extra something!
• Versatile – Great on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and more.

Tips for Success

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavour and creamiest texture.
• Sift the icing/powdered sugar before adding to avoid lumps.
• Don’t overmix – Overbeating can make the frosting too soft; chill for 10–15 minutes if needed.

Best Uses for Cream Cheese Frosting

• Carrot cake or cupcakes
• Lemon / vanilla Loaf
• Cinnamon rolls
• Sugar cookies

Slightly Softer Cream Cheese Frosting (Perfect for Carrot Cake)

If you want a slightly runnier frosting that spreads easily over a sheet pan carrot cake or for cinnamon rolls, use this variation which I use a lot:

Ingredients:

• 250 g cream cheese (8 oz)
• ¼ cup butter (60 g / 2 oz)
• 1 ½ cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla essence or ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Follow the same method as above. This version is less sweet, with a softer consistency.

Above and below – the slightly softer version of the cream cheese frosting.

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