Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of butter, room temperature
• 8 oz of Philadelphia cream cheese, room temperature
• About 3 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions

1. With an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until the mixture is fully smooth, about 3 minutes. Pause to run a rubber spatula around the bowl so everything blends evenly.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract. Turn the mixer to low, and gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar while it runs.
3. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch, which helps firm up the frosting while adding sweetness. Continue adding powdered sugar until the frosting is as sweet and thick as you want it.
4. For decorating, spread the frosting with a blunt knife or spatula, or transfer it to a piping bag for cupcakes or cake.
5. For a chocolate version, blend in 1/2 a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and a pinch of salt.
6. For coconut frosting, stir in freshly grated coconut or dried, flaked coconut.
7. For a deeper vanilla flavor, mix in scrapings from a fresh vanilla bean.
8. For blueberry cream cheese frosting, add blueberry syrup.
9. For an almond-flavored frosting, mix in a tablespoon of Amaretto or a quarter teaspoon of almond extract.