Cream cheese frosting

Cream cheese frosting is a rich, tangy, and sweet topping made primarily from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Originating in the United States, it is most famously paired with red velvet cake and carrot cake, providing a smooth, creamy contrast to spiced or chocolatey cakes.

🍳 View the full Cream cheese frosting recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This frosting is very high in fat and sugar, with a typical 2-tablespoon serving containing around 150-200 calories. It offers minimal protein or fiber, with its primary nutrients being saturated fat and quick-energy carbohydrates.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	240 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	25 g
Fat	15 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	24 g
Sodium	100 mg
Calcium	30 mg
Vitamin A	150 mcg
Iron	0.1 mg
Potassium	40 mg
Vitamin D	0.2 mcg
Phosphorus	25 mg

Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Its signature tangy flavor comes from the lactic acid in cream cheese, which balances the sweetness and makes it a uniquely American counterpart to European buttercreams. Nutritionally, it's often perceived as a 'richer' or more decadent option than standard vanilla frosting due to its dense, creamy texture.