Creamy Red Velvet Frosting
A luscious, tangy, and creamy red velvet frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes, combining cream cheese and butter for a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups frosting, enough for 12-16 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3–4 cups (360–480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 tsp (5–10 ml) gel-based red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese and butter by letting them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat briefly to combine.
- Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Gradually add 3 to 4 cups of powdered sugar to the mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition.
- Adjust sweetness and consistency by adding more powdered sugar if needed; 4 cups for a firm frosting, 3 cups for a softer one.
- If desired, add 1-2 teaspoons of gel-based red food coloring and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated and vibrant.
- Increase mixer speed to high and whip the frosting for 1-2 minutes to make it fluffy and light.
- Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, or chill for 15-20 minutes if too soft. Stir before applying if chilled.
Notes
Soften cream cheese and butter fully before mixing to avoid lumps. Sift powdered sugar and add gradually to prevent gritty texture. Whip at the end on high speed for fluffiness but avoid over-beating to prevent graininess. Chill frosting for piping or firmer texture. Store refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (about
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 1
Keywords: red velvet frosting, cream cheese frosting, cake topping, easy frosting recipe, creamy frosting, birthday cake frosting