Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

This pumpkin cream cheese frosting is a rich and creamy topping perfect for fall treats. It combines the warm flavor of pumpkin with smooth cream cheese, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tangy. Ideal for cupcakes, cakes, or cookies, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.

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 butter until smooth. Add half of the pumpkin cream cheese and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining cream cheese, vanilla extract, and sea salt, mixing well.
3. Step 3: Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and blend until smooth. Then add 2 more cups of powdered sugar and mix until no powder remains.
4. Step 4: Check the consistency of the frosting. If it needs to be stiffer, add additional powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until the desired texture is reached.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger pumpkin flavor, try adding a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the frosting.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar and whip the mixture longer to incorporate air.
• Use regular cream cheese and add canned pumpkin puree if pumpkin flavored cream cheese is unavailable.

Storage

Store any baked goods with this cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The frosting will keep well for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow the dessert to come to room temperature for the best texture. If needed, you can gently rewhip the frosting to restore its creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of pumpkin flavored cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese and add a few tablespoons of canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree along with some pumpkin pie spice to achieve a similar flavor.

How do I know when the frosting has the right consistency?

The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but stiff enough to hold its shape. If it’s too soft, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the desired thickness is reached.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 132 reviews

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting recipe offers a smooth, creamy, and flavorful topping perfect for autumn desserts. Combining pumpkin-flavored cream cheese with butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar, this frosting is ideal for spreading on cakes, cupcakes, or cookies to add a festive fall twist.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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, which will help create a fluffy frosting base.
2. Add half of the cream cheese: Incorporate half of the pumpkin flavored cream cheese into the butter and beat until fully combined and smooth.
3. Add remaining cream cheese and flavorings: Add the rest of the cream cheese along with the vanilla extract and fine sea salt; continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Add powdered sugar in stages: Mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar first until smooth. Then add 2 more cups of powdered sugar and blend thoroughly until no powder remains. Assess the consistency of the frosting.
5. Adjust to desired consistency: If the frosting is not stiff enough, add additional powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired thickness for spreading or piping.
6. Storage: For any baked goods with this cream cheese frosting, store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve to ensure freshness and maintain texture.

Notes

• Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier blending.
• Adjust powdered sugar quantity depending on how thick or sweet you prefer your frosting.
• If you want a sweeter or spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• This frosting is best used on pumpkin cakes, spice cakes, or carrot cakes for a complementary flavor.
• Always refrigerate toppings containing cream cheese to prevent spoilage.

Keywords: Pumpkin cream cheese frosting, fall frosting recipe, pumpkin dessert topping, cream cheese frosting, autumn frosting