This Paula Deen Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a rich and creamy recipe, which is made with room temperature cream cheese and butter. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 10 minutes.
Paula Deen Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
- 1 lb confectioner’s sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
How To Make Paula Deen Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Combine cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add sugar: On low speed, gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Once it’s incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and nuts: Beat in the vanilla extract until combined. If using, stir in the chopped pecans by hand, or reserve them to sprinkle over the finished frosted cake.

Recipe Tips
- How to get the smoothest frosting? Using room temperature butter and cream cheese is essential. They combine much more easily and prevent lumps. Sifting the confectioner’s sugar is also a key step to ensure a perfectly smooth, velvety texture.
- Why is my frosting runny? If your butter or cream cheese is too soft (verging on melted), the frosting can become runny. If this happens, you can chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to help it firm up before using.
- Can I adjust the sweetness? Yes, you can adjust the amount of confectioner’s sugar to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
- How do I get clean frosting lines on my cake? For best results, make sure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting. A chilled cake is even better. Use an offset spatula for a smooth, professional-looking finish.
What To Frost With This Recipe
This tangy and sweet frosting is incredibly versatile. It’s the perfect topping for a variety of desserts. Here are a few classic pairings:
- Red Velvet Cake or Cupcakes
- Carrot Cake
- Hummingbird Cake
- Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Banana Bread or Cake
How To Store Cream Cheese Frosting
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften, then give it a quick whip with a mixer to restore its fluffy texture.
- Freeze: You can freeze cream cheese frosting for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature and re-whipping.
Cream Cheese Frosting Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150 kcal (per 2 tbsp serving)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 19g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
It’s highly recommended to use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese contains more water and can result in a thinner, runnier frosting.
Yes, for the best results. Sifting removes any small lumps from the sugar, which is the key to getting an ultra-smooth and creamy frosting without any gritty texture.
If your frosting is too thin, you can gradually add more sifted confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Chilling it in the refrigerator also helps it firm up.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe
- Paula Deen Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe
Paula Deen Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Description
A rich, creamy, and tangy cream cheese frosting that comes together in minutes for the perfect cake or cupcake topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth and combined.
- On low speed, gradually beat in the sifted confectioner’s sugar.
- Increase speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Stir in optional pecans by hand or save for topping the cake.
Notes
- Ensure both cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to prevent a lumpy frosting.
- Sifting the confectioner’s sugar is a non-negotiable step for achieving a perfectly smooth texture.
- If the frosting becomes too thin, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm it up.
- This recipe is best made with full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the richest flavor and proper consistency.
