Silky Cream Cheese Frosting
This luscious Silky Cream Cheese Frosting is a game-changer for your dessert creations! Courtesy of Kathy Finholt, this recipe has received rave reviews, especially when paired with the 'Why I Joined Zaar Carrot Cake.' Unlike standard frostings, this creamy option crusts to create a beautifully smooth surface for your cakes, without the stiffness of royal icing. Perfect for those who love a polished look without the fuss of fondant, this frosting will elevate your baking in terms of flavor and presentation. Enjoy the blend of rich cream cheese and buttery goodness that holds its shape beautifully while still being creamy and spreadable. It’s the ideal topping for layer cakes, cupcakes, and more—your friends and family will be raving about it!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
vegetable shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
cream cheese
1 lb (softened)
clear vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (n/a)
confectioners' sugar
3.5 lbs (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, begin by creaming the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed.
2
Add in the clear vanilla extract and mix until thoroughly combined.
3
Gradually incorporate the sifted confectioners' sugar and salt, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once the frosting starts to come together, increase to medium speed and beat until creamy and smooth.
4
For a stiffer icing, use the full 3.5 lbs of powdered sugar. If you're looking for a slightly thinner consistency, reduce the sugar to 3 lbs.
5
To achieve a flawless finish, allow the frosted cake to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the icing crust. Then, gently smooth the surface using a spatula or a fondant smoother over a Viva paper towel, which will give you that professional look. If the icing is too sticky, pop the cake in the fridge for an additional 20 minutes to allow it to crust further before smoothing it out.
6
This recipe will generously frost, fill, and decorate an 8-inch double layer cake, ensuring you have some delicious icing left over for extra treats.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Cream Cheese Frosting?
It is a luscious, creamy frosting that crusts to create a beautifully smooth surface for cakes, developed by Kathy Finholt.
Who is the creator of this frosting recipe?
This recipe was provided courtesy of Kathy Finholt.
What cake is this frosting specifically recommended for?
It has received rave reviews when paired with the 'Why I Joined Zaar Carrot Cake.'
Does this cream cheese frosting crust?
Yes, unlike standard frostings, this recipe crusts to allow for a professional, smooth finish.
How does it compare to royal icing?
It provides a smooth surface similar to royal icing but without the stiffness.
Is this frosting a good alternative to fondant?
Yes, it is perfect for those who want a polished, professional look without the fuss of using fondant.
What is the texture of the Silky Cream Cheese Frosting?
It is a blend of rich cream cheese and buttery goodness that is creamy, spreadable, and holds its shape.
How long should I cream the butter and cream cheese?
You should cream the softened butter, shortening, and cream cheese for about 3-5 minutes on medium speed until fluffy.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe calls for clear vanilla extract to help maintain the frosting's color.
How should I add the confectioners' sugar?
Gradually incorporate the sifted sugar on low speed to avoid creating a sugar cloud.
How much sugar is needed for a stiffer icing?
Use the full 3.5 lbs of confectioners' sugar for a stiffer consistency.
How can I make the frosting thinner?
If you prefer a thinner consistency, reduce the amount of confectioners' sugar to 3 lbs.
What is the 'Viva paper towel' method mentioned?
It is a technique where you place a Viva paper towel over the crusted icing and use a smoother to create a flawless finish.
How long should the cake sit before smoothing the frosting?
Allow the frosted cake to sit for about 15-20 minutes to let the icing crust before smoothing.
What should I do if the icing is too sticky to smooth?
If the icing is too sticky, place the cake in the fridge for an additional 20 minutes to help it crust further.
How much frosting does this recipe yield?
This recipe will generously frost, fill, and decorate an 8-inch double layer cake.
Can this frosting be used for cupcakes?
Yes, it is an ideal topping for cupcakes as well as layer cakes.
What ingredients are needed for this frosting?
You will need butter, vegetable shortening, cream cheese, clear vanilla extract, confectioners' sugar, and salt.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of softened butter.
How much cream cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of softened cream cheese.
Is vegetable shortening necessary?
Yes, 1/2 cup of softened vegetable shortening is included to help with the texture and crusting.
What amount of vanilla extract should be used?
Use 1 tablespoon of clear vanilla extract.
Is there salt in the frosting?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is added to the mixture.
Should the confectioners' sugar be sifted?
Yes, the sugar should be sifted before being added to ensure a smooth frosting.
What speed should be used to beat the final mixture?
Once the ingredients are combined, increase the mixer to medium speed and beat until creamy.
Can I use this frosting for decorating?
Yes, it holds its shape beautifully and is suitable for decorating cakes.
Is the butter used salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 'butter' and includes additional salt, so generally unsalted or salted can be used based on preference, though softened is required.
Can I store the leftover icing?
Yes, the recipe notes you will likely have delicious icing left over for extra treats.
What tool is recommended for smoothing the icing?
A spatula or a fondant smoother is recommended for achieving a professional look.
Why is this frosting called 'Silky'?
It is named for its creamy and spreadable texture that results in a smooth, professional-grade finish.