Amazing 5-Minute Cream Cheese Frosting

For decades, our family has been making this amazing 5-minute cream cheese frosting. It is our go-to easy frosting recipe. Every time we make pumpkin bars or carrot cake, this is our frosting of choice.

Post contains affiliate links and we earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page. For more information please read the disclaimer on the About Us page.

Quick & Easy Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Once the ingredients are room temperature, it really just takes a few minutes to pull together a delicious tasting and amazing looking frosting.

This frosting seems to have the right balance between sweetness and creaminess; with just a hint of tang from the cream cheese. Oh, so delicious!

Variations to recipe

There are times when I switch up this recipe a bit. The basic amounts that I use for this recipe are wonderful if you are going to spread the frosting on a cake or bars.

Achieving a Thicker Consistency to the Frosting Recipe

As you can see, this frosting holds its shape and is wonderful on cakes, bars, and cup cakes. However, sometimes, it is nice to be a bit fancy and pipe the frosting. If that is something I plan on doing, I will make this frosting thicker.

There are two ways you can make this frosting thicker.

1. Continue to add powdered sugar until you reach your desired stiffness. I add 2 tablespoons at a time.
2. Add a tablespoon or two, but no more than two of Corn Starch. It is very dry and virtually flavorless, but it will stiffen the frosting nicely.

Adding Spice to the Frosting

While this recipe uses vanilla as the flavoring, I have used other spices depending on what I am using this delectable goodness on.

For pumpkin bars, I sometimes sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.

Rather than using vanilla, I have substituted rum.

If you are pairing this frosting with an exotic cake like carrot, or pineapple, I have swapped out the vanilla flavoring for an orange flavoring.

Be creative and see what you can add to this basic frosting recipe to delight your family with a wonderful dessert.

Using This 5-Minute Cream Cheese Frosting in Hot Weather

As with most dairy based recipes, the hot weather can cause the frosting to melt. However, here is a trick that will help your frosting retain its shape even on the hottest of days.

Dissolve a Packet of gelatin in 1 Tablespoon of water. Add that to the frosting when you think you have it to the desired consistency. (However, I do recommend following food safety rules and not leaving any food out too long in the hot weather).

Achieve Perfect Frosting Consistency

If you happen to have a frosting that is too thick, it can be thinned by adding a bit of heavy cream, milk, or even water. However, add it a tablespoon at a time and mix before adding more.

I remember when I was first learning to bake and I made a frosting too thin, I added a cup of powdered sugar to thicken it. Well, it was now too thick, then I added too much milk and it was runny. Well, let’s just say, it was a rough day. Since then, I have learned to add a bit at a time when it comes to making any frosting!

If you loved this post, please share. It helps to show me that these types of posts are helpful – thank you!

I hope that you liked this recipe. If you are looking for more ideas on what to make, here are a few other recipes that you may enjoy.