3 Ingredient Cream Cheese Frosting Without Butter Recipe
This simple and delicious 3-ingredient cream cheese frosting recipe without butter is perfect for smoothing over cinnamon buns, cakes, or using as a filling. Made with full-fat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, it’s creamy, easy to make, and requires just minutes to prepare. Ideal for those who want a buttery frosting alternative that remains soft and spreadable.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (full fat, at room temperature)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (325 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and 2 ½ cups powdered sugar.
- Mix on Low Speed: Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated into the cream cheese, ensuring a smooth blend.
- Scrape the Bowl: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to prevent any sugar pockets from remaining, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Mix Again on Low: Mix again on low speed for 1 minute to fully combine the vanilla with the frosting mixture.
- Increase Speed: Speed up the mixer to medium-high and beat for an additional 1 minute, resulting in a fluffy and creamy frosting.
- Chill if Needed: To make the frosting more stable for spreading or filling, refrigerate for 20 minutes before use. Note that it will remain softer than butter-based frostings, so it is less suitable for piping hardened decorations.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the best texture and consistency.
- For a more stable frosting, refrigerate for about 20 minutes before frosting or filling desserts.
- This frosting is ideal for spreading on cinnamon buns, cakes, and as a filling but is less firm for piping since it contains no butter.
- Adjust powdered sugar quantity slightly if a thicker or thinner consistency is desired.
- Keep refrigerated if not using immediately and bring back to room temperature before spreading.
