Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting offers a rich and creamy twist on traditional frosting with a hint of warm pumpkin flavor. It’s perfect for adding a seasonal touch to cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, making your desserts irresistibly festive.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy using a mixer on medium speed.
2. Step 2: Add half of the pumpkin flavored cream cheese to the butter and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining cream cheese along with the vanilla extract and fine sea salt. Continue to beat until the mixture is well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and blend until smooth.
5. Step 5: Add 2 more cups of powdered sugar and continue blending until no powder remains and the frosting is thick.
6. Step 6: Check the consistency of the frosting. If it’s not stiff enough, add additional powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness.

Tips & Variations

• Use regular cream cheese and add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree for a fresher pumpkin flavor if you don’t have pumpkin flavored cream cheese.
• Chill the frosting for 10-15 minutes if it feels too soft before spreading on your baked goods.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warm spice notes.

Storage

Store any baked goods with this cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The frosting will keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days. Before serving, let the dessert sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature and beat lightly before using.

What if my frosting is too thin?

If the frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it thickens to your preferred consistency.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting is a smooth, creamy, and flavorful frosting perfect for topping your favorite fall desserts like cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Made with softened butter, pumpkin-flavored cream cheese, vanilla extract, fine sea salt, and powdered sugar for the ideal balance of sweetness and spice, it offers a rich and autumnal twist on classic cream cheese frosting.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Enough to frost a 9-inch two-layer cake or about 24 cupcakes
• Category: Frosting
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Frosting Ingredients

• 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

1. Beat the Butter: Beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, preparing a soft base for the frosting.
2. Add First Half of Cream Cheese: Add half of the pumpkin flavored cream cheese to the butter, beating the mixture until it is fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the remaining cream cheese, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Beat again to combine everything into a smooth mixture.
4. Add Powdered Sugar in Portions: Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and blend until smooth. Then add another 2 cups and continue blending until no powdered sugar remains visible.
5. Adjust Consistency: Check the frosting’s stiffness. If it is too soft, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired thickness and spreadability.
6. Store Properly: Store any baked goods with cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
7. Enjoy and Share Feedback: After trying the recipe, share your experience and ratings in the comments.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are well softened for a smoother frosting texture.
• Adjust powdered sugar amount for desired sweetness and consistency; adding too much will make it stiffer.
• Keep frosted baked goods refrigerated to prevent spoilage since cream cheese is perishable.
• Use pumpkin flavored cream cheese for authentic fall flavor; plain cream cheese can be used but flavor will differ.
• Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Keywords: pumpkin cream cheese frosting, pumpkin frosting, cream cheese frosting recipe, fall dessert frosting, easy frosting