Skip to main content

Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1 1/2 quarts (enough for one 9-inch layer cake)

Ingredients

1 pound (16 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and vanilla until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the butter, beating until incorporated.

    Step 2

    Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sugar, beating until incorporated. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.