THE BLOG

How To Make Cream Cheese Frosting

My friend, let’s get one thing straight: life is too short for bland frosting. If you’ve ever tasted one of our famous cinnamon buns, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The star of the show? That luscious, velvety cream cheese frosting. And today, I’m going to show you how to make cream cheese frosting that will have you licking the spoon (and the bowl — zero judgement).

Now, if you think making frosting is a big complicated deal, think again. I filmed a quick video so you can watch me whip it up right in our cozy little cafe kitchen — complete with one minor powdered sugar fiasco (because what’s a Cinnamon Soul Cafe video without a bit of shenanigans?).

👉 Watch it here: Your Carrot Cake and Cinnamon Buns NEED This Trick

The Dreamy Lineup (aka – what you need)

Here’s what goes into the magic:

✨ 1 cup cream cheese
✨ 3/4 cup butter
✨ 3/4 cup shortening
✨ 2-3 tbsp vanilla
✨ 3 cups icing sugar

That’s it! No mystery ingredients. No weird instructions. Just pure creamy goodness you’ll want to put on everything — cinnamon buns, cupcakes, carrot cake, your finger…you get the idea.

How To Make Cream Cheese Frosting Like a Pro

(or at least wing it with me so everyone thinks you are)😉

1️⃣ Soften your butter and cream cheese — trust me, this makes everything mix together like a dream.
2️⃣ Beat them together until light and fluffy. No lumps. No bumps. Beat it for longer than you think, on HIGH speed my friend!
3️⃣ Add shortening and keep beating (on high speed). Watch it turn smoothy and creamy in front of your eyes.
4️⃣ Splash in the vanilla – don’t be shy but don’t be overzealous.
5️⃣ Gradually add icing sugar, one cup at a time. Fair warning: this is where powdered sugar may fly all over your counter if you get a little enthusiastic. (Cafe shenanigan #47—we’ve been there.)
6️⃣ Beat until smooth and luscious. Done!

What To Slather It On

Once you know how to make cream cheese frosting, you’ll find about a million excuses to use it.

Here are a few of my favourites:
✨ Cinnamon buns (obviously) – see our homemade cinnamon bun mix
✨ Carrot cake – watch us decorate one here
✨ Cupcakes
✨ Pancakes (don’t knock it till you try it)
✨ Spoons

Go watch the video for the step-by-step instructions:

P.S. A Little Cafe Story for You…
Between you and me, our carrot cake never lasts more than a few days at the cafe. People call to reserve pieces when we have it as our feature desert. The staff (me included) have to satisfy our cravings with eating the left over crumbs on the empty cake plate.

In the dead of winter, when it wasn’t a busy week, we had some left over….and we got to share a piece. We have pictures of the carrot cake being devoured, which won’t be shared here. I‘m keeping them for when I really need them!

Apparently, sine owning the cafe, I’ve become a bit of a carrot cake AND cream cheese frosting snob (my kids words, and then kindly confirmed by Google).

Let’s just say… when you know how to make cream cheese frosting the right way, you’ll find yourself judging all other cream cheese frosting versions a tiny bit. And honestly? I’m not sorry.

If you liked this little peek behind the cafe counter, you’ll love our #weirdandwitty Insider Newsletter – where I share more kitchen shenanigans, favourite recipes, and real-life wellness tips for those loving the Fitter @ 50 Methodology.

👉 Come join us here and never miss a story: [Become a #weirdandwitty Insider]

Nat – your pro cream cheese frosting judger