Forktionary

Cream Cheese Frosting

N/A Baking Ingredient

Cream Cheese Frosting Baking Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Baking Ingredient

The Forktionary Angle

"Elevate your baking with the ultimate guide to creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting – from classic to creative."

Definition

A rich, tangy, and sweet frosting made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, popular for carrot cake and red velvet.

Stability For stiffer frosting in warm climates, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or meringue powder.
Storage Refrigerate frosted items or leftover frosting, as it contains dairy. Best consumed within 3-5 days.
Usage Tip Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cream Cheese Frosting are:

Sweet tangy rich creamy vanilla

Chef’s Secret

To prevent frosting from being too soft, use chilled cream cheese and butter, and chill the bowl and beaters briefly before whipping. This helps it hold shape.

Best Substitutes

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

for stability

American Buttercream

less tang

Mascarpone Frosting

richer, milder

Buying Guide

If buying pre-made, check for quality ingredients and a good expiration date. Homemade is often superior.

Culinary Pairings

Carrot cake red velvet cake pumpkin bread spice cakes cupcakes cinnamon rolls lemon zest

Recipes Using Cream Cheese Frosting

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Amazing Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the magic of the holidays with these incredibly soft and cake-like pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies! This treasured recipe, straight from the pages of "Old-Fashioned Christmas Cookies," is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The warm pumpkin spice perfectly complements the creamy white chocolate chips, while a luscious cream cheese frosting adds a touch of decadent richness. These cookies are incredibly easy to make and disappear just as fast! Prepare for rave reviews – they're that good!

See Complete Recipe
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Amish Friendship Gingerbread

Spice up your holidays with this irresistible Amish Friendship Gingerbread! This unique recipe uses your Amish Friendship Bread starter for a deliciously warm and spicy gingerbread, perfect for Christmas. A touch less sweet than traditional gingerbread, it lets the bold molasses and fragrant spices shine. Feel free to add a ¼ - ½ cup of sugar to the dry ingredients if you prefer a sweeter treat, but we think you'll love the perfectly balanced flavor as is!

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Banana Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Indulge in this moist and delicious Banana Cinnamon Bundt Cake! A delightful twist on classic banana bread, featuring a luscious cinnamon glaze. This easy recipe, adapted from Betty Crocker's *Supermoist Cake Mix Recipes*, is perfect for weekend baking and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a burst of warm cinnamon and sweet banana flavor in every bite!

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Banana Papaya Cupcakes

Inspired by a surprise papaya find (thanks, Mom!), these moist and delicious Banana Papaya Cupcakes offer a unique tropical twist on a classic treat! Sweet bananas perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of papaya, creating a cupcake that's both comforting and exciting. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins for an extra burst of flavor!

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