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.

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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.

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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

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

Typically cream cheese frosting is made as an American buttercream frosting, with a butter base and lots of powdered sugar. However, whipped cream cheese frosting is made with a heavy cream base and less powdered sugar. It's more like a beefed up whipped cream. It's lighter in texture and in sweetness.

Is whipped icing the same as whipped frosting? ›

Because frosting holds its shape and is opaque in color, you'll see it often used and called for when you are decorating cakes and cupcakes. Another trait that sets frosting apart from icing is that it is always whipped, and unlike icing, its main ingredient is fat, such as butter or cream.

What happens if you over whip cream cheese frosting? ›

Too thick: If you over-whip the frosting, it will appear chunky and curdled. While my fix isn't perfect, it will certainly help—by hand, stir in more liquid heavy cream 1 Tablespoon at a time until the frosting smooths out again.

Can I substitute whipped cream cheese for regular? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE: In recipes for which cream cheese is cooked, we recommend sticking with the traditional block. In cases where it is not heated, the whipped product is acceptable provided you substitute by weight.

Why is whipped cream cheese better? ›

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!

Why is my cream cheese frosting always runny? ›

Frosting is too runny.

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.

How much whipped cream cheese equals regular cream cheese? ›

A 1-ounce (2 tablespoons) serving of regular cream cheese has 100 calories A 0.8-ounce (2 tablespoons) serving of whipped cream cheese has 50 calories. The volume by weight is less, thus fewer calories per tablespoon. Otherwise, it has the same nutritional profile.

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

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.

Which frosting is best for beginners? ›

As for frosting, choose your own adventure: If you're more of a beginner, consider using Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (American-style buttercream), Super-Simple Chocolate Frosting, or Cream Cheese Frosting (which is super forgiving).

What is the best frosting to use for cake decorating? ›

SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM

It is then transferred to a mixer and whipped into a meringue before adding butter and flavoring. Pros – It is soft, smooth and not too sweet. SM buttercream is arguably the best frosting in terms of cake decorating because it is the easiest way to get those smooth clean lines.

Which frosting is best for cake? ›

Buttercream is usually easier to use for cake decorating. Cream cheese makes a delicious frosting but it is difficult to get it thick enough to hold its shape for things like roses or other complicated flowers. Especially in the heat, it's more likely to sag or run.

Do you 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.

Should cream cheese frosting be refrigerated? ›

Absolutely yes, and that goes for store-bought and homemade cream cheese frosting. As cute as those frosted cupcakes look sitting on your kitchen counter, you need to pop them into the fridge to ensure they're safe to eat the following day.

Should I refrigerate cream cheese frosting before piping? ›

Cream cheese frosting will hold its decorative piped shape if you refrigerate it prior to piping. Fit your piping bag with a piping tip, fill your bag with the frosting, then refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before piping. However, don't expect it to be as sturdy as buttercream.

Is whipped cream cheese the same as regular cream cheese? ›

According to Cook's Illustrated, cream cheese in the tub, specifically the whipped kind, is actually a different product from the cream cheese that comes in a brick. Whereas block cream cheese is coagulated gradually with cheese culture, whipped cream cheese is instead coagulated with lactic acid.

What's the difference between whipped cream and cheese cream? ›

Whipped cream is just that, cream. It has air whipped into it to form a fluffy substance. It may or may not have sugar or flavorings added. Cream cheese is made from fermented milk which combines proteins, fats, and other solids into a slightly acidic compound.

Is whipped cream cheese the same as softened? ›

Whipped cream cheese is available, packaged in a tub already softened, though this may only work as a swap for block cream cheese in recipes that aren't cooked since the moisture content is different. Just like butter, when cream cheese is cold, it can be difficult to spread or combine with other ingredients.

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

Whipped cream is typically dairy based made from heavy whipping cream, and is a lighter fluffier texture that does not hold shapes well at room temperature. Icing is often made with powdered sugar and water, does not contain dairy, and will become stiff as it dries and holds it shape at room temperature well.

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