This Ina Garten Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is smooth and tangy, which uses real cream cheese and unsalted butter. It’s a quick, beginner-friendly frosting, ready in just 5 minutes.
Ina Garten Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 1 lb cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ lb unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1½ lbs confectioners’ sugar, sifted
How To Make Ina Garten Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add confectioners’ sugar: Slowly add sifted sugar on low speed until incorporated.
- Whip until fluffy: Increase speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy, but do not overbeat.
- Use or chill: Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, or refrigerate for later use.

Recipe Tips
-
Can I make cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using. -
Why is my frosting runny?
Make sure cream cheese and butter are not overly soft; chilling briefly can help thicken it. -
Can I freeze cream cheese frosting?
Yes, freeze up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and re-whip. -
How to avoid lumps in frosting?
Sift confectioners’ sugar and ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
What To Serve Cream Cheese Frosting With
This versatile frosting pairs well with many baked goods:
- Carrot cake or cupcakes
- Red velvet cake
- Cinnamon rolls
- Pumpkin bread or cupcakes
How To Store Cream Cheese Frosting
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator and beat briefly before using.
Cream Cheese Frosting Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 137 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this frosting without almond extract?
Yes, simply omit it or add more vanilla for a classic flavor.
How much cake does this recipe frost?
It frosts one 9×13-inch cake or about 18–20 cupcakes.
Can I color cream cheese frosting?
Yes, gel food coloring works best for vibrant shades without thinning the frosting.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
A creamy, tangy frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls — ready in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, butter, and extracts until smooth.
- Add sifted confectioners’ sugar slowly and mix on low.
- Increase speed to medium and whip until fluffy.
- Use immediately or chill for later.
