Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously smooth and flavorful topping perfect for your fall-inspired desserts. It combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the warm sweetness of pumpkin puree, elevated by a hint of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. This frosting is ideal for spreading on cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and more. Whether you’re preparing a pumpkin spice cake or dressing up your sugar cookies, this frosting adds a festive and creamy finishing touch that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter , well softened
- 8 ounces pumpkin flavored cream cheese , about 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Beat the butter until smooth. Add half of the cream cheese and beat until fully incorporated and smooth. Add the rest of the cream cheese, along with vanilla and salt.
- Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, blending until smooth. Add 2 more cups of the powdered sugar and blend until not powder remains. Check the frosting to see if it is stiff or needs more powdered sugar. Add one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
- Store any baked goods using cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!
Notes
- Softening Ingredients: For the smoothest, creamiest texture, ensure that your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This helps prevent lumps in the frosting and allows for easier mixing.
- Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. Homemade pumpkin puree can also be used if desired for a fresher flavor.
- Sweetness Control: The amount of powdered sugar can be adjusted based on your personal preference. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with 3 cups and add more as needed.
- Spices: You can customize the spices to your liking. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, simply use cinnamon, or add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for extra warmth.
- Consistency Adjustments: If the frosting is too thick, a small amount of milk or cream can be added to achieve a softer, more spreadable consistency. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar or chill it for a bit before using.
- Storage: This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before spreading to make it easier to work with. The frosting can also be frozen for up to three months and re-whipped after thawing.
- Piping: If you plan to use the frosting for piping intricate designs, it’s a good idea to stiffen the frosting by adding a bit more powdered sugar and keeping it slightly chilled.