Creamy Dreamy Cheese Frosting

Submitted By: Carol Ainsworth

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 (1-pound) box powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or light cream

Instructions

Cream the cheese and butter until blended. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar and mix until well combined. If necessary, add enough milk or cream to reach desired consistency.

Makes enough frosting for a 9-x-13-inch cake, two 8- or 9-inch layers, or 24 cupcakes.
Note: This is the basic recipe — it’s delicious in itself, especially on carrot or apple cakes. Variations can include the addition of 1 cup toasted, chopped pecans; or for Hawaiian-style icing, stir in 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained, 1/2 cup toasted coconut, and 1/2 cup chopped macadamian nuts; or for chocolate-mocha-style icing, stir in 2 ounces melted baking chocolate, 1 tablespoon instant coffee crystals dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water, and 1/2 cup toasted, slivered almonds.