If you’ve ever baked a cake or a batch of cupcakes, you’ve probably wondered, “What’s the difference between cream cheese frosting and icing?” They might look the same at first, but they are actually quite different in how they are made, how they taste, and how they are used. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about cream cheese frosting and icing. We’ll discuss how they are made, what makes them unique, and when to use each one. By the end, you’ll be able to choose the perfect topping for your next baking project!
1. What Is Cream Cheese Frosting?
Cream cheese frosting is a thick, rich topping that combines cream cheese, butter, and sugar. It has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy taste, thanks to the cream cheese. Many people love cream cheese frosting because it’s not too sweet, and it pairs well with a variety of cakes, especially carrot cake and red velvet cake.
1.1 How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
To make cream cheese frosting, gather a few simple ingredients: cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a little bit of vanilla extract. First, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and keep beating until the frosting turns light and fluffy. That’s it! You now have a delicious cream cheese frosting to spread on your cakes or cupcakes.
1.2 What Does Cream Cheese Frosting Taste Like?
Cream cheese frosting offers a rich, creamy taste with a slight tanginess. The cream cheese gives it a unique flavor that isn’t overly sweet, which is why it often complements desserts with strong flavors, like chocolate or spice cakes. The butter adds richness, while the powdered sugar sweetens the frosting just enough to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
2. What Is Icing?
Icing is a sweet, thinner topping that people often use to decorate cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. Unlike cream cheese frosting, icing usually involves powdered sugar and a liquid, like water or milk. Sometimes, you might add a bit of butter or shortening to make it smoother. Icing dries to a smooth, shiny finish, making it perfect for decorating.
2.1 How to Make Icing
Making icing is very easy. All you need is powdered sugar and a liquid, like water, milk, or lemon juice. First, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Then, slowly add the liquid and stir until the mixture becomes smooth. You can also add a little bit of butter or shortening if you want a creamier texture. If you like, add food coloring to make your icing any color you want.
2.2 What Does Icing Taste Like?
Icing tastes very sweet because it mainly consists of powdered sugar. It doesn’t have the rich, tangy flavor of cream cheese frosting. Instead, icing offers a simple, sugary taste that pairs well with light, delicate desserts like sugar cookies or pound cake. Because icing is thinner than frosting, it spreads easily and hardens when it dries, giving your baked goods a beautiful, glossy finish.
3. The Main Differences Between Cream Cheese Frosting and Icing
Now that we know what cream cheese frosting and icing are, let’s look at the main differences between them. These differences include how they are made, how they taste, how they are used, and how they look on your desserts.
3.1 Ingredients and Texture
The first big difference between cream cheese frosting and icing lies in the ingredients. Cream cheese frosting combines cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar, resulting in a rich and creamy texture. In contrast, icing uses powdered sugar and a liquid, like water or milk, creating a much thinner and smoother consistency.
Because of these different ingredients, cream cheese frosting feels thick and spreadable, while icing is thin and can be poured or drizzled over baked goods. Cream cheese frosting stays soft and creamy, while icing hardens as it dries.
3.2 Flavor
Another key difference is the flavor. Cream cheese frosting has a tangy, rich flavor thanks to the cream cheese and butter. This makes it a great match for strong-flavored cakes like carrot cake or red velvet cake. On the other hand, icing has a simple, sweet flavor that’s mostly sugary. It’s perfect for adding sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the dessert.
3.3 Uses
Cream cheese frosting and icing also serve different purposes. Because cream cheese frosting is thick and holds its shape, it’s often spread on cakes and cupcakes or piped for decorations. It’s also great for layering between cake layers or topping brownies.
Icing, on the other hand, frequently decorates cookies, donuts, and other small baked goods. Because it’s thin and hardens when it dries, icing works perfectly for creating smooth, glossy finishes or detailed designs on cookies. Many bakers also use it for glazing cakes or adding a sweet drizzle to pastries.
4. When to Use Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is an excellent choice for various desserts. Its thick, creamy texture and rich flavor make it ideal for spreading, layering, and piping.
4.1 Cakes and Cupcakes
One of the most popular uses for cream cheese frosting is on cakes and cupcakes. It’s especially delicious on carrot cake, red velvet cake, and chocolate cake. The tangy flavor of the frosting balances the sweetness of the cake, and the creamy texture makes each bite melt in your mouth.
4.2 Brownies and Bars
Cream cheese frosting also works wonderfully on brownies and dessert bars. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top of your favorite brownies or bars to add a rich, tangy flavor. The frosting pairs well with chocolate, peanut butter, and even fruit-flavored bars.
4.3 Piping Decorations
Because cream cheese frosting is thick and holds its shape, it’s great for piping decorations. You can use it to create swirls, flowers, or other designs on cakes and cupcakes. Just make sure the frosting is cold when you pipe it, so it keeps its shape.
5. When to Use Icing
Icing is a versatile topping that suits many different uses. Its thin, smooth texture and sweet flavor make it perfect for decorating and glazing.
5.1 Cookies
Icing most commonly decorates cookies. Whether you’re making sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, or shortbread, icing adds color and sweetness perfectly. Because it hardens when it dries, you can use icing to create detailed designs or write messages on your cookies.
5.2 Donuts and Pastries
Icing also works great for glazing donuts and pastries. A simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over warm donuts or pastries for a sweet, shiny finish. You can also add flavorings like vanilla or lemon to your icing to complement the flavors of your pastries.
5.3 Glazing Cakes
If you’re looking for a simple way to add sweetness to a cake, icing is a great option. You can pour a thin layer of icing over the top of a cake for a shiny, sweet glaze. This works especially well on pound cakes, bundt cakes, or coffee cakes.
6. How to Store Cream Cheese Frosting and Icing
Because cream cheese frosting and icing are made with different ingredients, they need to be stored differently to keep them fresh and delicious.
6.1 Storing Cream Cheese Frosting
Store cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator. Because it contains cream cheese and butter, it can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. To store cream cheese frosting, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Before using it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
6.2 Storing Icing
Icing, on the other hand, can be stored at room temperature. Because it’s made with just powdered sugar and a liquid, it doesn’t spoil as easily as cream cheese frosting. To store icing, place it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to a week. If the icing hardens, add a little more liquid and stir it until it’s smooth again.
7. Can You Turn Cream Cheese Frosting into Icing?
Sometimes, you might want to use cream cheese frosting, but you need it to be thinner, like icing. Is it possible to turn cream cheese frosting into icing? The answer is yes, but with a few adjustments.
7.1 How to Thin Cream Cheese Frosting
To turn cream cheese frosting into icing, thin it out by adding a little bit of milk or cream. Stir well, and keep adding liquid a little at a time until the frosting reaches the consistency of icing. Be careful not to add too much liquid, or the frosting will become too thin and runny.
7.2 When to Use Thinned Cream Cheese Frosting
Thinned cream cheese frosting can replace icing when you want a richer, tangier flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over cakes, donuts, or cinnamon rolls. Just keep in mind that because it contains cream cheese, you should still store it in the refrigerator.
8. Can You Turn Icing into Cream Cheese Frosting?
What if you have icing, but you want the rich, creamy taste of cream cheese frosting? Can you turn icing into cream cheese frosting? The answer is yes, with a few extra ingredients.
8.1 How to Thicken Icing
To turn icing into cream cheese frosting, thicken it by adding softened cream cheese and butter. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. You can also add a little more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting if needed.
8.2 When to Use Thickened Icing
Thickened icing works just like cream cheese frosting. It’s great for spreading on cakes, cupcakes, or brownies. However, because it started as icing, it may not have the same rich flavor as traditional cream cheese frosting. To enhance the flavor, you can add a little vanilla extract or a pinch of salt.
9. Common Mistakes When Making Cream Cheese Frosting
Making cream cheese frosting is easy, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
9.1 Using Cold Cream Cheese and Butter
One common mistake is using cold cream cheese and butter. If these ingredients are too cold, they won’t mix together well, and your frosting will be lumpy. To avoid this, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you start making the frosting.
9.2 Overmixing the Frosting
Another mistake is overmixing the frosting. If you beat the frosting for too long, it can become too soft and runny. To avoid this, mix the frosting just until it’s smooth and fluffy. If the frosting does become too soft, you can chill it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up.
9.3 Adding Too Much Sugar
Finally, adding too much sugar can make your frosting too sweet and too thick. Follow your recipe closely, and add the powdered sugar gradually. Taste the frosting as you go, and stop adding sugar when it’s sweet enough for your taste.
10. Common Mistakes When Making Icing
Icing is simpler to make than cream cheese frosting, but there are still a few mistakes that can affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them.
10.1 Adding Too Much Liquid
One of the most common mistakes is adding too much liquid. If you add too much water, milk, or juice, your icing will be too thin and runny. To avoid this, add the liquid gradually and stir the icing well after each addition. If your icing does become too thin, you can add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
10.2 Not Sifting the Powdered Sugar
Another mistake is not sifting the powdered sugar. Powdered sugar can sometimes have lumps, which can make your icing lumpy. To avoid this, always sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with the liquid. This will ensure that your icing is smooth and free of lumps.
10.3 Not Letting the Icing Set
Finally, not letting the icing set properly can be a mistake. If you don’t give the icing enough time to dry, it won’t harden, and your designs might smudge. To avoid this, make sure to let your iced cookies or pastries sit at room temperature until the icing is fully set and dry to the touch.
11. How to Flavor Cream Cheese Frosting and Icing
Both cream cheese frosting and icing can be flavored in many different ways. Adding flavors is a great way to customize your frosting or icing to match the dessert you’re making.
11.1 Flavoring Cream Cheese Frosting
To flavor cream cheese frosting, add extracts, spices, or even fruit puree. Vanilla extract is the most common flavoring, but you can also use almond extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon. For a fruity flavor, try adding a few tablespoons of strawberry or raspberry puree.
11.2 Flavoring Icing
Icing can also be flavored with extracts, citrus zest, or juice. Vanilla, almond, and lemon extracts are popular choices. You can also add a little cocoa powder for a chocolate icing or swap the liquid for lemon juice or orange juice for a citrus-flavored icing.
12. How to Color Cream Cheese Frosting and Icing
If you want to add color to your desserts, you can easily color both cream cheese frosting and icing. This is especially fun when decorating cookies, cupcakes, or birthday cakes.
12.1 Coloring Cream Cheese Frosting
To color cream cheese frosting, use food coloring. Gel food coloring works best because it won’t thin the frosting like liquid food coloring might. Simply add a few drops of gel food coloring to the frosting and stir until the color is evenly mixed. You can add more coloring to achieve the desired shade.
12.2 Coloring Icing
Icing is even easier to color because it’s already thin. You can use liquid, gel, or powder food coloring. Just add a few drops of coloring to the icing and stir well. Because icing is often used for detailed decorating, you might want to divide it into several bowls and color each one a different shade.
13. Which Is Better: Cream Cheese Frosting or Icing?
So, which is better: cream cheese frosting or icing? The answer depends on what you’re making and your personal taste.
13.1 When to Choose Cream Cheese Frosting
Choose cream cheese frosting when you want a rich, creamy topping with a tangy flavor. It’s the best choice for cakes, cupcakes, and brownies. If you’re looking for a frosting that holds its shape and adds a lot of flavor, cream cheese frosting is the way to go.
13.2 When to Choose Icing
Choose icing when you want a sweet, simple topping that’s easy to spread or drizzle. Icing is perfect for cookies, donuts, and pastries. It’s also great for adding a shiny glaze to cakes. If you need a topping that hardens and gives your desserts a smooth finish, icing is the best choice.
14. How to Use Cream Cheese Frosting and Icing Together
Sometimes, you might want to use both cream cheese frosting and icing on the same dessert. This can add different textures and flavors to your baked goods.
14.1 Layering Frosting and Icing
One way to use both is to layer them. For example, you can spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on a cake and then drizzle icing over the top. This creates a beautiful contrast between the soft frosting and the shiny icing.
14.2 Piping and Drizzling
Another way to use both is to pipe cream cheese frosting for decoration and then drizzle icing for extra sweetness and shine. This works well on cupcakes or cookies, where you can pipe a swirl of frosting and then add a drizzle of icing on top.
15. Conclusion
In conclusion, cream cheese frosting and icing are both delicious toppings that can make your desserts extra special. While they are made from different ingredients and have different textures, each has its own unique qualities. Cream cheese frosting is thick, creamy, and tangy, making it perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Icing is thin, sweet, and smooth, making it ideal for decorating cookies and glazing pastries. Whether you choose cream cheese frosting, icing, or a combination of both, knowing the difference will help you make the best choice for your next baking project.
FAQs
1. Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of icing?
Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting instead of icing, but keep in mind that frosting is thicker and won’t harden like icing does. It’s great for spreading on cakes and cupcakes but isn’t as ideal for detailed decorating.
2. Can I mix cream cheese frosting and icing together?
Yes, you can mix them together if you want a topping that’s somewhere between thick and thin. This can give you the tangy flavor of cream cheese frosting with a slightly thinner consistency.
3. How long does cream cheese frosting last?
Cream cheese frosting can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
4. How long does icing take to dry?
Icing usually takes about 15-30 minutes to dry, depending on the thickness. For detailed designs, it’s best to let the icing dry completely before stacking or serving.
5. Can I freeze desserts with cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can freeze desserts with cream cheese frosting. However, the texture of the frosting might change slightly after thawing, so it’s best to frost your desserts fresh whenever possible.