Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

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This whipped cream frosting has all of the light, fluffy qualities of a classic whipped cream along with the rich tanginess of a cream cheese frosting. It only takes 5 minutes to make and holds its shape beautifully. It’s the perfect way to top a dessert.

Perfectly Fluffy Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

“It was the frosting on the cake.”, they always say. They are referring to that little thing that made whatever it is they are talking about even better. That’s what frosting does for any dessert (and even some breakfast items) in my opinion. This whipped cream frosting is no exception.

In this recipe, an airy, subtly sweet whipped cream is folded into cream cheese that has been beaten to a smooth, creamy consistency. The result is a dessert topping that boasts the richness of your favorite cream cheese frosting while simultaneously maintaining the fluffy quality of whipped cream. Once piped or slathered onto your favorite cake or cupcake, it will stand strong, keeping its shape until every last bite of the dessert has disappeared. And for those who aren’t into overly sweet frostings, this makes a great alternative. I think you just discovered your new favorite frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Frosting Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this whipped cream cheese frosting recipe. Here are some of the reasons why it has become one of my absolute favorites.

• Quick and easy. In just 5 minutes and 3 simple steps, you can achieve one of the best frostings.
• Light and fluffy. It really is like a cloud. I have yet to encounter a frosting so light and fluffy.
• It holds its shape. No one likes a flat frosting. This recipe is great because, thanks to the cream cheese, it will hold whatever shape you pipe or spread it into (if used immediately).
• As sweet as you’d like. The cream cheese in this recipe helps stabilize the whipped cream. This is usually the role that sugar plays. This means that you can reduce or even eliminate the sugar in the recipe and still end up with a frosting that holds its shape.
• Versatile. This frosting pairs nicely with pretty much any dessert I can think of. Use it to frost cupcakes, cakes, or cheesecakes. Use it to top your favorite brownies. You can even plop it on top of pancakes or waffles for breakfast. The sky is the limit.

What You’ll Need

Just 4 ingredients and you will be on your way to a light, fluffy whipped cream cheese frosting. Here they are. Make sure to scroll to the recipe below for detailed measurements.

• Heavy whipping cream. The heavy whipping cream must be cold. It will not whip up properly otherwise.
• Powdered sugar. Do not attempt to use another kind of sugar here. Trust me.
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese. Start with room-temperature cream cheese. It will mix much more smoothly with the other ingredients, saving you from a clumpy frosting. Be sure to use brick-style cream cheese, since tub-style cream cheese is thinner and won’t hold up as well.

How to Make Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

It only takes 5 minutes to make the best cream cheese frosting you’ve ever had. Sounds worth the time, right? Here’s a quick overview of how to make it. Scroll to the recipe below for more detailed instructions.

• Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form.

• Fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the cream cheese. After combined, repeat with the remainder of the whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Frosting

Sure this frosting only requires 4 ingredients and a couple of simple steps but as with any recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that will take your finished product from good to great. Here they come.

• Start with cold heavy whipping cream. It will not whip up and hold air properly if it is not cold. So if you want a light, airy frosting, make sure to chill your heavy whipping cream.
• Start with room-temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will have a hard time incorporating the whipped cream into it. You will have to mix the frosting more aggressively which will push the air out of it, ending you with a flat frosting. So take a moment and allow your cream cheese to come to room temperature before beginning.
• Fold gently. When folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese, do so slowly and gently. Start with 1/3 of the whipped cream, fold in gently, and follow with the rest. This will help you lose as little volume from the whipped cream as possible.
• Use it right away. This frosting holds its shape beautifully if you pipe or spread it onto your dessert right after making it. If you prepare the whipped cream and store it in the fridge for later use, however, it will likely deflate when you stir it back up. So use it immediately after preparing for the best result.

Ways to Use Frosting

I love how versatile this whipped cream cheese frosting is. Its subtly sweet, neutral flavor makes it the perfect addition to a wide variety of confections. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it.

• On cupcakes. Use this whipped cream cheese frosting to frost your favorite cupcakes. I like it on my Easy Homemade Vanilla Cupcakes, but pipe it over these Banana Cupcakes or even my Moist Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling.
• Cakes and cheesecakes. Use it to frost your favorite cake. This whipped cream cheese frosting would go beautifully with my Italian Cream Cake or this No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake.
• For breakfast. Spoon it over your favorite pancakes, waffles, or french toast. Try my Thick and Fluffy Banana Pancakes or these Easy Fluffy Homemade Waffles.
• Top off an ice cream sundae. Trust me. It’s delicious.

Can You Make Frosting in Advance?

Yes and no. Although this frosting will stay stable in the refrigerator for as long as it takes to go bad, it will fall flat when you try to stir it back up. So, if you are using it to frost a cake, cupcakes, etc. I do recommend using on the cake right away. Then store the cake for a day before serving, if needed. The whipped cream won’t deflate. That being said, if you plan on using it as a sweet dollop over your favorite pie, cake, or waffle, feel free to make it several days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and know that it will deflate upon stirring.

More Frosting Recipes to Try

Once you try this whipped cream cheese frosting, you might not need to search any further for the perfect dessert topping. Just in case you are looking for something a little bit different, though, here are a few of my other favorites.

• Ermine Frosting
• Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
• Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
• Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting
• Homemade Strawberry Frosting – Two Ways
• Fudgy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
• The Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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