Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

by Jessica Selensky on September 7, 2025 0 comments

This is the perfect Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting recipe. Made with cream cheese, salted butter and vanilla for the ideal balance of flavors.

It works flawlessly on top of cakes, cupcakes, brownies and even cookies! However, I could also just eat this with a spoon…it’s that good.

Vanilla cream cheese frosting swirled in a bowl with vanilla beans throughout.

The perfect frosting does exist and it’s this recipe!

A Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting is very versatile. It can be added to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and so much more.

This frosting is also great for making cake pops!

The texture is smooth and creamy, filled with a delicious vanilla flavor throughout.

Ingredient Notes, Tips and Tricks

Cream Cheese – Use a plain cream cheese and make sure that it is softened to room temperature. Do not use a cream cheese that has been frozen previously, it won’t blend into a smooth texture, it will be grainy.
Salted Butter – Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature. You can also use unsalted butter, however, the salt helps to cut the sweetness.
Vanilla Paste or Vanilla Extract – Both will work in this recipe. However, I discuss the differences below.
Powdered Sugar – Any brand of powdered sugar will work in this recipe. However, I always suggest adding about 1 cup at a time instead of all at once.

Ingredients measured out in bowls to make the vanilla frosting.

Vanilla Extract vs Vanilla Paste

What’s the difference between vanilla extract and vanilla paste? I used to always wonder this myself and we’re going to discuss the two here.

The Flavor

While the overall flavor is similar between the two, there is a slight difference in the strength of flavor.

Vanilla Extract: A subtle, balanced, and creamy vanilla flavor that enhances other flavors without overpowering them.
Vanilla Paste: A stronger, more intense, and vivid vanilla flavor than extract.

Appearance

Both vanilla extract and vanilla paste have a dark, brown color with a few other differences in appearance.

Vanilla Extract: A brown liquid without any visible specks of vanilla bean.
Vanilla Paste: A thick, dark mixture with tiny black vanilla bean specks.

Best Uses for Both

Vanilla extract and vanilla paste work well in most baking recipes, however, there are times when one may be better than the other.

Vanilla Extract: Ideal for batters and doughs, such as cakes, cookies, and brownies, where you don’t need the visual appeal of vanilla bean specks.
Vanilla Paste: Perfect for desserts where you want the appearance of vanilla beans, such as frosting, ice cream, custards, puddings, and whipped cream.

Step by Step Process Making Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

The full-detailed instructions are written out in the recipe card below. Use these images to help guide you as needed when following the directions.

Add the softened butter and cream cheese to a mixing bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cream cheese frosting or vanilla frosting better?

The main difference between the two frostings is the addition of full-fat cream cheese to cream cheese frosting, which provides its tangy flavor and softer texture.

Vanilla frosting, specifically American buttercream, is sweeter, more buttery, stable at room temperature, and more versatile for piping and decorating.

How to avoid runny cream cheese frosting?

Make sure the butter is not too softened and definitely don’t melt the butter before making the frosting. However, you can also add more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting to your desired texture.

Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?

Cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration due to its high water content and less stable texture.

Can you freeze cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can freeze cream cheese frosting, however, the texture may change upon thawing.

Store the frosting in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving some space for expansion.
When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then re-whip it to restore its creamy consistency.

What are the best ways to use this Vanilla Cream Cheese frosting?

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting works well in any recipe. However, I think it works best on top of Carrot Cake Cookies, my recipe for Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake.