Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• ¾ stick (85 grams) unsalted butter, (at cool room temperature (67°F)*)
• 1 ½ cups (188 grams) powdered sugar, (sifted (Don't skip sifting!))
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, (completely softened to room temperature (brick-style, not spreadable)**)
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla paste or vanilla extract***
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt, (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar on low. Gradually increase to medium-high to prevent a sugar cloud.

2. 2

   Beat for 3 minutes until the mixture is pale, light, thick, but smooth. It may look dry or crumbly at first, but keep beating until it holds together.

3. 3

   Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl and paddle, then add the cream cheese and beat on medium-high for 1 minute until fluffy.

4. 4

   Add the vanilla and salt and beat for 30 seconds until fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl again as needed.