Learn how to make the best cream cheese frosting! This delicately sweet frosting is the perfect finish to cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and other desserts. With four simple ingredients, this homemade icing comes together in just minutes. Perfect for beginner bakers!
In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
With the electric mixer on low speed, add 3 cups of the confectioners' sugar a little at a time; continue beating until well blended. Beat on high speed until very smooth and creamy. Add more confectioners' sugar, as needed for thickness.
Add the vanilla extract and blend thoroughly until light and fluffy. The recipe makes enough cream cheese frosting for a small layer cake, a sheet cake, or about 12 to 18 cupcakes.
Notes
Spreading the icing on with a rubber spatula is preferable to a piping bag. If you choose to pipe the frosting on cupcakes, I recommend a gallon freezer bag with the tip cut off, so you can adjust the piping width to accommodate the thickness of the frosting.
Use full-fat, block cream cheese at room temperature. This recipe will not work with spreadable or whipped cream cheese.