Description
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting is a creamy, luscious frosting with the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and warm, spiced pumpkin flavor. It’s the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more! The addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla makes it a fall-inspired favorite that pairs perfectly with pumpkin-flavored desserts or even carrot cake.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add the Pumpkin and Spices: Add the canned pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until well combined and smooth.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the frosting and adjust the spices or sweetness to your liking by adding more cinnamon or powdered sugar if needed.
- Chill (optional): For a firmer frosting, refrigerate the frosting for 30 minutes before using. This is especially helpful if you’re piping the frosting or if it feels too soft.
Notes
Add a dash of ground ginger for an extra layer of spice.
Use maple syrup in place of some of the powdered sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Fold in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
For a lighter version, replace half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies depending on butter and cream cheese
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
