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.

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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.

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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

How do you thicken cream cheese whipped cream 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.

Is it possible to over whip cream cheese frosting? ›

Overbeating cream cheese frosting can make it too runny. When all the sugar is incorporated into the frosting, don't beat it for much longer to avoid overbeating. If the frosting is too soft, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden before piping.

What is the difference between whipped and regular cream cheese frosting? ›

Though some tasters found the frosting made with whipped cream cheese slightly less tangy than the one made with block cream cheese, all found it acceptable. In fact, it had a lighter, smoother texture that many preferred.

Why is my whipped cream cheese frosting runny? ›

If you do over mix, the water in the cream cheese starts to separate out, and it makes the frosting really loose. Stop mixing when it looks like this, and then it's ready to use on your cakes and cupcakes.

Why won't my cream cheese frosting thicken? ›

You can add 1/4 cup- 1/2 cup cornstarch to thicken frosting without using powdered sugar. Why is my frosting so runny? Your frosting is runny because it has too much liquid in it. Add some powdered sugar to thicken it up.

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

What is this? Powdered Sugar Magic: One of the most common ways to thicken frosting is by adding more powdered sugar. Start by incorporating small amounts until you achieve the perfect consistency. This method works well with cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting, and other basic recipes.

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

So does it need refrigeration? Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting.

Can you over whip whipped cream frosting? ›

If your frosting appears chunky or curdled, it's over-whipped. To fix, stir 1 Tablespoon of heavy cream into the frosting by hand to smooth out again. Use more heavy cream if needed to smooth out. Use it: After you make the whipped frosting, it's ready to frost your cupcakes, cake, or other confections.

Why is my cream cheese frosting gluey? ›

Over-mixing the cream cheese often results in a cream cheese icing with a sticky mouthfeel.

Which is better cream cheese or whipped cream cheese? ›

Is Whipped Light Cream Cheese Healthier Than Regular Cream Cheese? Cream cheese that has been whipped contains less fat and fewer calories per serving than regular cream cheese because of the whipping process. It's healthier and great if you're looking for low-fat dips!

Does cream cheese frosting taste like cream cheese? ›

The ratio in this recipe creates a cream cheese frosting that's buttery tasting, with the strong tang of cream cheese and sweetened with powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla extract.

What is the point of whipped cream cheese? ›

This light, fluffy version of the common spread is even easier to spread on bagels and toast, with a rich, luxurious texture. You can buy it at the store, but you can also try it homemade! Make it at home and you can add fun seasonings to make different flavor variations.

What is the best store bought cream cheese frosting? ›

And in the supermarket baking aisle, Duncan Hines Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting is the best on the shelf. It should be noted that, being a shelf-stable frosting, Duncan Hines Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting does not contain any cream cheese; instead, it uses flavorings and additives to (sorta) replicate its flavor.

Why does my cream cheese frosting melt so fast? ›

But there's a limit to how much you can add - this is the main reason so many cream cheese frostings are runny. Cream cheese is about 55% water - so when you add lots of cream cheese, you're adding a ton of water. Lots of water (combined with sugar) equals runny and loose frosting.

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 thicken whipped frosting? ›

Turn the mixer on low, and slowly add in the Powdered Sugar/ Instant Clearjel mixture until incorporated. The Instant Clearjel will thicken the whipped cream instantly, which is why we want to make sure the whipped cream is nicely whipped and fluffy before we add in our thickener.

What to do if my frosting is too runny? ›

Most frostings contain powdered sugar, or icing sugar, and the most common way to thicken a runny frosting is by gradually mixing in a bit more powdered sugar to offset the liquid ingredients. Sprinkle in 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 mL) of powdered sugar at a time, then stir it in and check the consistency.

What can I add to whipped cream to make it thicker? ›

If you're making a stacked dessert with whipped cream, and the recipe calls for a particular stabilizer, it's best to use what is recommended. If you must make a substitution, Instant ClearJel is still the best choice, but cornstarch, crème fraîche, mascarpone, and plain yogurt will all work well too.

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