Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (2024)

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Cream Cheese Whipped Cream is a thick, stabilized whipped cream made with cream cheese, heavy cream and powdered sugar. Sweetened with vanilla or citrus zest, this is the perfect frosting for cupcakes and cakes.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Easy Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
  • What is Stabilized Whipped Cream?
  • What Makes This Different From a Traditional Cream Cheese Frosting?
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to make Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
  • Troubleshooting Tips
  • How to Store Whipped Cream Frosting
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recipes That Use Cream Cheese Whipped Cream:
  • Get the Recipe

Easy Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

I am a huge fan of homemade whipped cream. Once you master this technique, the flavor combination are endless.

Cream cheese whipped cream makes my heart sing. It’s the perfect topping or filling for cakes and cupcakes, and makes the most amazing fruit dip. You’ll still get a little bit of tang from the cream cheese but as opposed to cream cheese frosting, this is much much lighter, fluffier, and far less sweet.

You can use it to pipe cupcakes or decorate cakes and it certainly makes a great topping for pie and even pancakes. You can also just serve this as is with fruit.

What is Stabilized Whipped Cream?

Stabilized whipped cream holds its shape, often referred to as stiff peaks. It also won’t melt or wilt once it’s been used. When properly prepared, this frosting is very stable.

There are two key parts to a stabilized whipped cream

  • The proper ingrendiets
  • Beating the cream to the correct consistency

At times, you’ll notice that this frosting doesn’t seem very stiff, but if it’s prepared properly, it pipes beautifully and holds its shape.

What Makes This Different From a Traditional Cream Cheese Frosting?

  • Consistency: This frosting consistency is similar to whipped cream.
  • Texture: It’s very light and fluffy vs. cream cheese frosting which is heavier and denser.
  • Taste: It’s much less sweet than cream cheese frosting and less tangy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need 4 simple ingredients, this is the easiest topping!

  • Full-fat cream cheese- make sure it’s the block cream cheese and that it’s cold not room temperature.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream– it needs to be cold as well.
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Pure Vanilla Extract– this can be substituted with a fresh fruit zest or another flavor of extract

How to make Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

1. Chill the bowl: Start with a cold bowl and the whisk attachment, which helps to keep your ingredients cold. Chill for 5-10 minutes in the freezer or the refrigerator.

2. Beat the cream cheese: Start with cold cream cheese. Beat the cream cheese, scraping down the bowl frequently until it’s free of lumps.

3. Slowly add the heavy cream: Slowly start adding about 1/4 cup the heavy cream until it is incorporated into the cream cheese and resembles a liquid mixture. Doing this slowly helps prevent a lumpy whipped cream.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (3)

4. Add the remaining cream: Proceed to add the rest of the heavy cream and increase the speed to medium high- high and continue beating until soft peaks form. Soft peaks mean that you can run a knife through it but it doesn’t quite hold a shape.

5. Add the powdered sugar: Next, add the powdered sugar and any extracts or zested fruit and continue beating on high until stiff peaks form. Soft peaks mean that you can run a knife through it and it won’t cave in on itself.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (4)
Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (5)

Troubleshooting Tips

If you found yourself with a soupy frosting or one that did not fully set, there might be a couple of contributing factors.

  • Ingredients must be cold including the cream cheese.
  • Did you use the right type of cream cheese? It should be a block full-fat cream cheese. Philadelphia is my preferred brand.
  • The whipped cream should be beaten until soft peaks form before adding the powdered sugar
  • Did you beat the frosting for long enough? Oftentimes, the frosting will not hold up if you did not beat it for long enough.

How to Store Whipped Cream Frosting

This must be kept in the refrigerator. It is recommended that you use the whipped cream frosting right away. If it sits in the bowl for prolonged periods of time, you may find that it wilts a little bit. I find that once a cake has been frosted, it will keep so much better. Desserts should last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (6)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of a block of cream cheese?

No. This recipe works with block cream cheese.

Can I use fat-free or reduced-fat cream cheese?

No, it is recommended to use full-fat cream cheese, because it’s less watery than the reduced or fat-free options. It also has the best tas

Do I need a stand mixer to make this frosting?

I have made this with a handheld mixer, but I always find that I cannot achieve the same thickness with whipped cream because it is not as powerful. If you are usinga handheld mixer, try and use a metal bowl, so you can get it nice and cold.

Can I make this with mascarpone?

Yes, you can swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone with a 1:1 ratio.

How much does this recipe make?

This makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes or a 9×13 inch cake.

Can cream cheese frosting sit out at room temperature?

I do not recommend leaving this out for an extended period of time, especially if you live in a warm or humid environment.

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (7)

Recipes That Use Cream Cheese Whipped Cream:

  • Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
  • Blueberry Cheesecake Poke Cake
  • Coconut Cream Pie Cupcakes
  • Lemon Cream Pie Cupcakes

More Whipped Cream Recipes You Should Try:

  • Easy Stabilized Whipped Cream– this is made without gelatin!
  • Cake Batter Whipped Cream
  • Chocolate Whipped Cream
  • Cinnamon Maple Whipped Cream
  • Cereal Milk Whipped Cream

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Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (8)

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 17 reviews
  • Author: Julianne Dell
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 cups

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Description

Cream Cheese Whipped Cream is a thick, more stable whipped cream made with cream cheese, heavy cream and powdered sugar. Sweetened with vanilla or a citrus zest, this is the perfect topping for cupcakes and cakes.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces (226g) full fat cream cheese, cold
  • 1 3/4 cups (413ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup (130g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Place your mixing bowl in the freezer or fridge 5-10 minutes before starting.
  2. Beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until cream cheese is smooth and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the cream cheese resembles a liquid mixture.
  4. Continue to add the remaining heavy whipping cream and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
  5. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until stiff peaks form. Use immediately and keep refrigerated.

Equipment

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Notes

  • This makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes or a 9×13 inch cake.
  • Category: Frosting
  • Method: Mixer
  • Cuisine: American
Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is an Easy Frosting Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you whip cream cheese frosting too much? ›

No lumps in cream cheese.

While you can over-whip the frosting after you add the heavy cream, you cannot over-mix the 1st 3 ingredients in the recipe. Beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract together for as long as you need to rid all of the cream cheese lumps.

Why is my whipped cream cheese frosting runny? ›

First, make sure that you used a block of cream cheese and not the already whipped version in the tub. Second, if your frosting seems runny, mix it on high until it comes together. It will hold the lines of the beaters during whipping. To make it more firm, refrigerate it.

What happens if you mix frosting with whipped cream? ›

Mix equal parts freshly whipped cream and frosting. You can substitute thawed whipped topping, but don't try this trick with canned whipped cream that will quickly deflate and turn into liquid. Unsweetened whipped cream can tone down overly sweet frosting.

What can I add to cream cheese frosting to make it thicker? ›

There are a few ways you can increase the stability of this frosting or make it a bit thicker. – Add in more icing/powdered sugar (if you don't mind a little extra sweetness). Add in a tablespoon at a time and taste test as you go. – Secondly, you can add in some cornstarch to thicken up the frosting.

How to firm up cream cheese frosting? ›

Mix 1 tablespoon (25 grams) of cornstarch into the frosting. If it is still too runny, add a little more. Continue to add cornstarch until you are happy with the texture. Avoid adding more than 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) of cornstarch per 8 oz (226 grams) of cream cheese.

Do I need to refrigerate cake with cream cheese frosting? ›

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises refrigerating any food made with cream cheese after 2 hours (that includes time spent making the food). The same typically goes for frostings made with other perishable foods such as.

Why is my cream cheese frosting not setting? ›

This could be because the butter was too soft or you added too much milk if it is buttercream frosting or it could be that you have overbeaten it if you're making cream cheese frosting. Also, a hot kitchen can make frostings go runny, so be mindful of the temperature.

Why is my cream cheese frosting not stiff enough? ›

Change the order you mix your ingredients in and your frosting will be thicker and you won't need as much sugar! Mix the butter with part of the icing sugar first, then add the cream cheese and the rest of the sugar (or as much to achieve the right flavour).

What is the best store bought cream cheese frosting? ›

Best Cream Cheese Frosting: Duncan Hines Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting. In my highly professional opinion, cream cheese frosting is the most superior of the “American-style” frostings, which are made by whipping fat—like butter and shortening—with powdered sugar.

How to get rid of butter lumps in cream cheese frosting? ›

Notes
  1. Cream the butter very well to avoid lumps.
  2. Still got lumps? Put the frosting in the microwave for 10 sec, take out, mix and repeat until the lumps are gone. Be carefull though. The frosting should not get too hot.

How long can cream cheese frosting sit out for? ›

At room temperature, cream cheese frosting only lasts two hours, which is why it needs to be refrigerated if you don't want to waste leftovers. Cream cheese frosting will usually last in the refrigerator for up to a week, which gives you plenty of time to use it on various baked goods.

Can you decorate a cake with whipped cream frosting? ›

In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. While it's customary to use whipped cream toppings for sundaes or pies, whipped cream can also be used as a delicious icing for cakes.

What's the difference between whipped icing and whipped frosting? ›

You'll be glad to know there is a distinction between the two. In broad terms, frosting is thick and fluffy, and is used to coat the outside (and often the inner layers) of a cake. Icing is thinner and glossier than frosting, and can be used as a glaze or for detailed decorating.

How to make store-bought cream cheese icing taste better? ›

Depending on what kind of cake you're making, try stirring a spoonful of any of the following into the frosting:
  1. Peanut butter.
  2. Cookie butter.
  3. Chocolate-hazelnut spread.
  4. Dulce de leche.
  5. Caramel sauce.
  6. Lemon curd.
  7. Fruit jam.
Mar 5, 2024

How do you fix soupy whipped cream frosting? ›

How do you fix runny whipped frosting? Add more powdered sugar a little at the time and whip. Add sugar and whip until you have the consistency you want.

How do you fix runny whipped frosting? ›

Mix in more butter or shortening.

For frostings that use butter or shortening, using more of either ingredient can help thicken frosting that is a little too runny. Add 1 tbsp (15 mL) or so at a time to prevent distorting the taste and consistency too drastically.

How do you make whipped frosting thicker? ›

You can add about a tablespoon of vanilla pudding mix after you've got stiff peaks from whipping the cream. This won't solve everything, but the gelatin in the vanilla pudding mix will help the whipped cream hold it's shape better for frosting a cake.

How to fix frosting that is too runny? ›

Most frostings are made with powdered sugar (otherwise known as confectioners' sugar or icing sugar), which contains cornstarch to prevent it from caking. Adding more powdered sugar can be an effective way and the easiest way of absorbing too much liquid to achieve thicker frosting.

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