This Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is light, creamy, and perfectly balanced-not too sweet, but full of flavor. Made with softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and chilled heavy whipping cream, it whips up in minutes into a fluffy, velvety topping. Ideal for frosting cupcakes and cakes, it holds its shape best when kept cold, making it a fresh and elegant choice.
I've been making this frosting and versions of it for years. The first time you saw it on my blog was on these Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes in 2014, in that recipe, I fold strawberries into the cream cheese whipped frosting, it was magical.
I most recently wanted to use this frosting recipe for my Banoffee Pie Cupcakes. Whipped cream cheese frosting is not an overly sweet frosting, it's not like traditional cream cheese frosting or buttercream. The flavor and texture are much more like a thicker version of whipped cream, the consistency is perfect.
I dare you not to love this frosting!
The only thing to keep in mind is that this is a cream-based frosting so it will not hold up well in a warm environment! I highly advise keeping whatever you use this on in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Also, I have tried making this in a large bowl with a handheld mixture and I do not have success, I always have success when I use my electric stand mixer though. So I highly recommend only using an electric stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
This frosting recipe would be perfect on cake or cupcakes or in layer cakes
Cream Cheese + Whipping Cream = Light & Tangy Frosting
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese Softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with no lumps, giving the frosting its creamy body.
- Granulated Sugar Sweetens without clumping or mess-less airy than powdered sugar, but blends cleanly into the cream cheese.
- Pure Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall flavor with subtle notes that elevate the frosting.
- Heavy Whipping Cream Chilled and whipped in slowly, it transforms the frosting into a light, malleable texture with soft peaks.
If you find yourself with excess heavy whipping cream check out my whipped cream cake.
Whip It, Frost It, Love It
If your cream cheese was not completely softened to room temperature then you will get lumps of cream cheese here, not what you want!
The frosting is so light and fluffy, you will want to swim in it!! LOL
You can use this whipped cream cheese frosting on literally any cake or cupcake. This frosting would be delicious on top of my apple cupcakes.
★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!
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Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
This Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is light, creamy, and perfectly balanced-not too sweet, but full of flavor. Made with softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and chilled heavy whipping cream, it whips up in minutes into a fluffy, velvety topping. Ideal for frosting cupcakes and cakes, it holds its shape best when kept cold, making it a fresh and elegant choice.
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 5 Cups 1x
Ingredients
- 8oz Cream Cheese completely softened to room temperature
- 100 grams (½ Cup) Granulated/ Caster Sugar
- 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 16oz (2 Cups) Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment whisk the cream cheese, vanilla, and granulated sugar for 3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the bowl once or twice to ensure everything is being evenly incorporated.
- While the mixer is still on medium-high speed very slowly pour/stream in the heavy cream. Whip for another couple of minutes after the cream has been added until you get a thick whipped cream texture do not over mix. You want stiff peaks. Use the frosting right away, store leftovers in the fridge.
Notes
- I prefer the whipped cream frosting with the full two cups of heavy whipping cream but if you prefer a thicker frosting less whipped cream-like feel free to reduce the heavy cream down to 1 ½ cups. If you want defined piping for a cupcake or cake recipe then I would use 1 ½-1 ¾ cups of cream. If you wanted to dye the frosting I would suggest using gel food colors, be careful they are very potent.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Armi Gazala says
Trying to stay away from buttercream frosting because of the calories and I sometimes flavor it. Can this cream cheese frosting be flavored to, for example, coffee??
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Armi, I have personally never flavored the frosting with coffee- my suggestions would be to make a very concentrated coffee flavor as I do in this coffee buttercream recipe. And potentially add some more confectioner's sugar to this frosting to accommodate the additional liquid. Since this is a very soft frosting keep in mind it's not good for cake/ cupcakes that need to sit out. Please let me know if I can help with anything else or if you try the recipe! XX Liz
Myrka Rodriguez says
Hi! Is this Frosting stable enough to frost a cake without worry of over working it?
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Mykra, I have used it to frost a cake but more of a naked/rustic style frosting. If you're looking for clean, hard lines this isn't the frosting for it. And I wouldn't use it in a larger than two-layer cake as the weight of the cake against the soft frosting doesn't go well together. All that to say this frosting is one of my favorites- I love to use a vanilla sponge some macerated strawberries and this frosting! Please let me know if you have any other questions or if you try the recipe would love to know what you think! XX Liz
Deb says
I made this today with coffee, used 2 tsp concentrated coffee and left out the vanilla. Added a little extra sugar and cream cheese. Came out great, was on the soft side so I put the cake in the fridge for awhile.
Chris says
Can I use on cheesecake prior to serving?
Chris jones says
Can I top a cheesecake prior to serving?
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Chris, I have used a very similar recipe on top of my Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe-check that post out! Please let me know if you have any other questions or if you try the recipe, I would love to know what you think! XX Liz
Christine says
Would this work with cheesecake? Frosting prior to serving
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Christine, I have used a very similar version of this on my Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe-check that post out! Please let me know if you have any other questions or if you try the recipe, I would love to know what you think! XX Liz
Emily says
Hey would this hold for sugar cookies?
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Emily, since it is a very light whipped cream frosting it wouldn't be my first choice. But if you do try it keep in mind since it is cream cheese based it shouldn't sit out in a warm environment for long so I would frost it shortly before serving if possible for the best outcome. Goodluck baking and let me know if I can help with anything! 🙂 XX Liz
Cor says
This is my to-go recipe for filling. Not too sweet, just the right amount. I use vegan cream cheese and oats based whipped cream for my dairy free Victorian sponge cake and I have gotten several compliments everytime I make them.
Cece says
Can I use sugar free pudding mix instead of sugar? Thank you in advance.
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Cece, I am sorry I have never done this so I am not sure what your results would be. Goodluck. XX Liz
Kimberly says
I make lots of whipped cream frostings w/o a lot of sugar. Hadn't tried cream cheese flavored, this recipe is perfect. 5 star for sure. Thank you for sharing.
Amy Drinkwater says
What is the yield for this recipe? Looks delicious! Thanks!
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Amy! IT is so good! It makes about 5 cups! Let me know if you try it! XX Liz
Amy says
Thanks so much!! Can't wait to try it!!
Danielle Goodman says
This frosting is THEE best!
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?