Cream Cheese Frosting Without Butter

If you want to top off a small cake or cupcake but don't want to make a big batch, this recipe is for you! You only need two ingredients for this cream cheese frosting without butter and it comes together quickly.

I started making this small-batch frosting because I got tired of ending up with way more frosting than I actually needed for smaller desserts. After making it a few times, I realized the cream cheese alone gives it enough richness and structure without feeling overly heavy or greasy. It works especially well on smaller treats, like these carrot cake mug cakes when I want something quick that still feels homemade.

It pipes and spreads well even without using butter. This makes it perfect for mug cakes, snack cakes, or small-batch cupcakes that do not need thick decorative swirls. I use it on my cake mix mug cake because it adds a homemade touch without requiring an entire batch of frosting sitting in the fridge afterwards.

Ingredients

No make this no butter cream cheese frosting, you only need a small amount of cream cheese and powdered sugar. Scroll down to the recipe card to see the amounts used.

• Cream cheese: For the best tasting frosting, use full fat cream cheese.
• Powdered sugar: Any type of powder sweetener can be used. Use a powdered sugar substitute to reduce calories and carbs.

Instructions

To make a simple cream cheese frosting without butter, simply combine the powdered sugar and cream cheese. If you want a thicker consistency, you can add a little more powdered sugar. For a thinner frosting, add a bit more cream cheese.

Once you've reached the desired consistency, simply spread or pipe it onto your favorite baked goods.

Tips

Here's a couple tips to get the desired texture.

• Add the powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time instead of dumping it all in at once. I found this allows me to make the frosting thick enough to spread while preventing it from becoming overly sweet.
• Chill the frosting for 10 to 15 minutes before piping or spreading if it feels too soft. This version firms up noticeably once cold because the cream cheese alone provides the structure without butter.

Variations

I sometimes vary this no butter cream cheese frosting depending on what I'm using it for. All of which are delicious and easy to make.

• Chocolate: I like to mix in a little unsweetened cocoa powder when I'm using this frosting on a chocolate mug cake.
• Raspberry: Simply toss in a few fresh raspberries. I enjoy this fruity option for white or yellow cakes.
• Lemon: Mix in some lemon juice or extract to taste. This version is a great topping for my lemon loaf.

Serving suggestions

This cream cheese frosting is perfect for things like a small-batch of cinnamon rolls or a freshly microwaved red velvet mug cake. But you can use it with other homemade baked goods, too. The recipe can also be scaled up to make the exact amount needed.

Pin

Storage

To store your frosting, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, just give it a good stir to smooth out any lumps.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.

Recipe