Description
Carrot cake icing enhances the warm, spiced flavors of the cake with a creamy and luscious topping. The most popular choice is classic cream cheese frosting, but there are other delicious alternatives like buttercream, mascarpone, and vegan-friendly options.
Ingredients
Scale
Classic Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice or zest
Alternative Frosting Options:
- Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup butter, 4-5 cups confectioners’ sugar, 2-3 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla
- Mascarpone Frosting: 8 oz. mascarpone, 1 cup butter, 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp vanilla
- Vegan Frosting: 1 can coconut cream (chilled), ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- Mix Butter & Cream Cheese: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, while mixing at low speed.
- Flavoring: Mix in vanilla extract and optional lemon juice for added depth.
- Beat Until Smooth: Whip the frosting until it reaches a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
- Use or Store: Spread immediately over a cooled carrot cake or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- If the frosting is too thin, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes or add more sugar.
- For a less sweet version, reduce sugar and add lemon juice.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: carrot cake frosting, cream cheese icing, homemade frosting