Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

dessert condiment/spread cream cheese vanilla

Katherine Sacks

Makes 4 1/2 cups

Source

Ingredients

2 (8-ounce packages) cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

2 1/3 cups powdered sugar

Method

Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until smooth, about 1 minute. Beat in vanilla bean paste and salt. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually beat in powdered sugar. Increase speed to high and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Frosting can be made 5 days ahead; chill, or freeze up to 1 month. Bring to room temperature, then beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. If texture is not smooth, beat in water 1 tsp. at a time.