Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Hands On Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Yield:

1 1/2 cups

Rich, creamy, and with a tangy-sweet flavor profile, cream cheese icing is an indulgent topping that can elevate sweet rolls, breads, cupcakes, cakes, and more. Made in about 10 minutes with just five ingredients, keep this recipe on hand as your go-to icing recipe.

We love topping our delicious homemade cinnamon rolls with this sweet and gooey topping. They make the ideal treat for holiday mornings, or any time you have a hankering to start your day with something sweet.

Learn how to make cream cheese icing, and keep the recipe handy. You'll find plenty of reasons to use it.

What's the Difference Between Frosting and Icing?

While the words frosting and icing are often used interchangeably, there can be subtle differences between the two:

Frosting is typically thick and fluffy, and often includes butter and powdered sugar in the mix for a sturdy consistency that's perfect for spreading over cakes and cupcakes in decorative swirls.

Icing is thinner, glossier, and the consistency can be adjusted to turn it into a light glaze, or more of a thick drizzle.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Icing

Just five ingredients are needed to whip up this tangy-sweet topping. To make cream cheese icing, you'll need:

Cream cheese: Gives the icing a tangy flavor and creamy texture. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
Butter: For a buttery richness. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the icing to balance its sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
Milk: Thins the icing for a smooth consistency.

How To Make Cream Cheese Icing

This icing comes together in under 10 minutes for the perfect topping for sweet rolls, breads, cakes, and more. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Combine cream cheese and butter: Beat butter and cream cheese.
Step 2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk: Beat in powdered sugar. Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk, beating to combine. Add remaining milk to reach desired consistency.

How Can I Adjust the Consistency of Cream Cheese Icing?

Depending on the application, you can adjust the consistency of cream cheese icing to make it thicker and more spreadable, or into a thinner coating or glaze. All you'll need to do is add more or less milk to reach the ideal consistency you're looking for.

Added too much milk? You can chill the icing to help it thicken naturally, or adjust the consistency by beating in additional powdered sugar.

Cream Cheese Icing Variations

Depending on the use, you may find you're looking for more complexity in your icing. Mix up the flavor with some simple additions:

Citrus: Stir in zest for a citrusy kick, or substitute the milk with lemon juice for a tangy addition.
Extracts: Swap in or add a splash of almond, lemon, maple or other extracts for a more nuanced flavor.
Coloring: Tint the icing with food dye to suit any occasion. Opt for gel coloring for the most vibrant color without thinning the consistency of the icing.
Spice: Add a hint of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, or other spices.
Jam: Mix in seedless raspberry or other fruit jams for a fruity kick.

Can I Make Cream Cheese Icing Ahead?

Cream cheese icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Beyond that, the flavor or texture may start to change. Soften at room temperature before using as desired.

Ways To Use Cream Cheese Icing

Uses for this type of quick icing are endless. With the mild tanginess of cream cheese in the mix, this icing can perfectly balance a variety of items, whether served for breakfast or dessert.

Spread this cream cheese icing over loaf cakes, sweet rolls, pastries, and of course, classic Cinnamon Rolls. For dessert, it makes a wonderful companion to Banana Layer Cake, Pumpkin-Spice Bundt, and other types of cakes and cupcakes. You can also spread over cookies, brownies, and other types of dessert bars for a sweet finish.

More Icing Recipes You'll Love

These quick icings adorn sheet cakes, layer cakes, Bundt cakes, and cookies for a decadent topping that's ready in minutes:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

3 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. butter, softened
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbsp. milk

Directions

Combine cream cheese and butter:

Beat first 2 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk:

Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in vanilla and 1 Tbsp. milk. Add remaining 1 Tbsp. milk, 1 tsp. at a time, stirring until icing is smooth and creamy.

Jennifer Davick

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cream cheese icing lumpy?

To avoid lumps in your icing, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before using. Take care to beat them until smooth before beating in the remaining ingredients.
How can I make cream cheese icing less sweet?

For a balanced flavor, try adding lemon juice in the place of milk to counteract the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
Why is my cream cheese icing runny?

If you accidentally added too much milk, thicken the frosting by beating in additional powdered sugar, or chill to help it thicken naturally.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for cream cheese icing?

While you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, the icing may not be as rich and creamy.