You are going to adore this cream cheese frosting. Not only is it insanely easy to make, but it is so luxuriously delicious that you will want to put it on everything. Use this cream cheese frosting for cakes, cupcakes, or just to eat with a spoon. It really is that good!
What is cream cheese frosting exactly
It's difficult to find the formal definition of cream cheese frosting. Basically, cream cheese frosting is a smooth, creamy whipped topping that is made of, you guessed it, cream cheese. Depending on other ingredients used, there are a few different types of cream cheese frostings:
Different types of cream cheese frosting
Cream cheese frosting varies in ingredients. However, they all contain cream cheese. Some cream cheese frosting variations are
- Cream cheese frosting with butter (the most common one)
- Cream cheese frosting without butter (this recipe!) - this version usually contains another high-fat dairy product eg. mascarpone or heavy cream
- 2 ingredients cream cheese frosting (only made of fat cream cheese and powdered sugar)
Yes, you can make cream cheese frosting simply using 2 ingredients i.e. cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using the right technique, it can whip up perfectly and pipe beautifully.
How cream cheese frosting is used in baking
It is the perfect addition to pumpkin bread, carrot cake, strawberry crunch cupcakes, rainbow cake, strawberry cake, red velvet cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and more. Check out some of our cream cheese desserts.
Cream cheese frosting with its mild, sweet taste and a pleasant slight tang enhances the flavor and appearance of baked goods. You can pipe it on top of your cupcakes or frost the entire cake with it. It has a mild flavor so it's beneficial to balance the overall, typically sweet taste of your cakes. The smooth and airy texture of cream cheese frosting adds a delicate sensation.
Why this is the best cream cheese frosting recipe
- It's easy - This is a 3-ingredient cream cheese frosting and you don't need any special baking skill to achieve the best result.
- It's super quick to make - You can make it in no time, literally less than 3 minutes! You do not need to wait until the ingredients are at room temperature.
- It has the best flavor and texture - This no-butter cream cheese frosting has a mild, delicate texture that is easy to pipe, with a delicious cream cheese flavor. While butter-based cream cheese frosting is more commonly used, the cream or mascarpone version is definitely superior in terms of taste and texture, eg. it won´t harden in the fridge but stays super creamy and fluffy.
- It doesn't need a lot of sugar - Instead of using TONS of sugar to whip up the frosting, this recipe focuses on using the right amount of ingredients and the right technique.
- It's so versatile - You can get creative and change the flavor to your liking! (Chocolate cream cheese frosting sounds delicious, doesn't it?!) You can use it to decorate various cakes or cupcakes!
- It doesn't need fancy baking equipment - If you have the regular tools to bake a cake at home, then you can make this recipe, only an electric mixer is required.
Ingredient notes
- Hight Fat Cream cheese: It acts as the base of this recipe. You will need the one with high-fat content (33%+). You do not need to rest the cream cheese until it reaches room temperature. You can use it right away.
- Powdered sugar: Only use fine-quality powdered sugar to avoid grainy textures in your frosting. Be sure to sift it first before mixing.
- High-fat mascarpone OR heavy cream: This is a no-butter frosting recipe which means we need to have something with high-fat content to avoid a runny consistency. Mascarpone and whipped cream can do the job. But you need the high-fat version. For mascarpone, use the one with 41% fat content, and for the heavy cream, use the one with a minimum of 36% fat content.
- Vanilla extract or bean paste (optional): This acts as a flavoring agent. Of course, you substitute it with another flavoring agent such as cinnamon, cocoa powder, pumpkin spice, etc.
Best cream cheese to use
For this no-butter frosting recipe, using the right cream cheese is super important. You want cream cheese that has a high amount of fat. Cream cheese blocks are typically firmer, lower in water content, and higher in fat content as compared to the cream cheese in the tub. However, in Europe, cream cheese is mainly sold in tubs and all my recipes are made with that.
Ingredient quantities
4 cups Cream cheese full fat (33%+) eg. Philadelphia
1⅓ cup Mascarpone full fat (41%+). Can be substituted with 300g very cold! 36% heavy cream
1¼ cup Powdered sugar sifted
Step-by-step preparation process
Making cream cheese frosting without butter is simple and quick. Please follow these directions to help you achieve an amazing result:
- Place the cream cheese into a mixing bowl. Add mascarpone OR heavy cream to the bowl along with SIFTED powdered sugar.
- Whip it. It's easy but you need to do it without spending too much time on it (it will only take around 2-3 minutes). So, whip it up with an electric hand mixer.
- Add the vanilla, if desired. When the frosting reaches a fluffy, pipeable consistency, stop right there and do not overmix. If you continue beating the frosting, it will separate and get runny.
- The frosting should be stable enough to pipe or frost the cake at this point, however, it will even further set refrigerated.
Top Tip: Besides not over-whipping and using the right ingredients, the best way to thicken cream cheese frosting is to refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes before using.
Flavor variations
This cream cheese frosting is amazing and so versatile! You can be creative and add different flavors or colors to this recipe. Whenever possible, be sure to use the flavoring agent that comes in powder or gel, not liquid. This consistency is important in order to avoid too much moisture added to the frosting.
If you decide to add a liquid-based flavoring agent to this frosting, you need to do it carefully in a small amount. Otherwise, your frosting might get runny. Here are some ideas that you can try for your cream cheese frosting:
- Cocoa powder
- Pumpkin spice
- Cinnamon
- Gingerbread
- Peppermint
- Coffee (very very small amount, not warm)
- Melted chocolate (not warm)
- Strawberry reduction (not warm)
- Lemon zest (avoid the juice as it can break the frosting)
- Caramel (not warm)
- Nutella
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup
For powder-based flavoring agents (e.g. cinnamon powder), sift it first and use a small amount eg. one teaspoon, then gradually increase until desired taste is achieved. For gel-based flavoring agents (e.g. strawberry reduction, caramel) simply add 1 tablespoon of it during the whisking process, then gradually increase until desired taste is achieved without breaking the frosting. For more liquid-based flavoring agents (e.g. maple syrup, coffee), use 1 teaspoon and very carefully monitor the consistency of the frosting.
Top Tip: While flavoring the cream cheese frosting, remember to start with a small amount, monitor the consistency, and, never ever use too much liquid and/or warm ingredients to flavor
Expert tips
- The cream cheese, mascarpone, and heavy cream / whipping cream all need to be high in fat. Using the low-fat version may result in a thinner frosting since it contains more water
- Be sure to sift your powdered sugar. You do not want to add any lump during the whisking process or have a lumpy frosting as the result
For more expert tips read the original Cream Cheese Frosting Without Butter article at Spatula Desserts.
How to use cream cheese frosting
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Pink Velvet Cake
Treat yourself to this gorgeous pink velvet cake that's beaming with lively pink color and a rich blend of vanilla and cream cheese flavors. It's the perfect dessert for those who appreciate a touch of elegance and fun in their sweet indulgences. You can whip up this stunning cake in under two hours, so go ahead and add a pop of color and flavor to your next gathering.
Go to the recipe: Pink Velvet Cake
Cinnamon Cupcakes
These moist cinnamon cupcakes with a swirl of bold cream cheese frosting offer a delightful blend of warm and tangy flavors. Simple to make, this dessert is a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The carefully crafted cream cheese frosting pairs exceptionally well with the spiced cupcakes, resulting in a harmonious balance of all flavors.
Go to the recipe: Cinnamon Cupcakes
Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Go to the recipe: Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Frosting
This wonderful moist and easy pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is the perfect cake to enjoy any time of year. It's a fluffy pumpkin loaf infused with aromatic fall spices and frosted with an easy, 3 ingredient cream cheese icing that is very well balanced in sweetness (also made without butter!).
Go to the recipe: Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
These berry-delicious homemade strawberry cupcakes aren’t just any old ordinary cupcakes! They feature super moist and fluffy aromatic vanilla cake crowned with luscious fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting!
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Peanut Butter Cake
If you have been searching for the ultimate peanut butter cake recipe that will be the talk of the town, look no further! This showstopper is made with moist, fluffy sponge cakes and is topped with a smooth and creamy peanut butter cream cheese frosting. Equally old-fashioned and modern, this peanut butter cake is perfect for a special occasion or a casual afternoon snack. Who knew that putting peanut butter in cake could be so good?
Go to the recipe: Peanut Butter Cake
Blueberry Cookies
If you like the flavor of blueberry muffins but the crunchiness of cookies, then you will love this recipe for blueberry cookies! Made with fresh blueberries and topped with a light and fluffy blueberry cream cheese homemade frosting, these soft, chewy blueberry cookies aren’t just irresistible but also beautiful. It just may be the best blueberry cookie recipe you have tried!
Go to the recipe: Blueberry Cookies
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This article was originally published as Cream Cheese Frosting Without Butter recipe at Spatula Desserts.
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