A good carrot cake is moist, dense, and full of flavor. But it’s the icing that truly elevates it to a dessert masterpiece. The right icing can complement the cake’s spiciness and add a creamy, smooth texture that makes every bite irresistible. Here’s the perfect cream cheese icing recipe for your next carrot cake.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the mixture, one cup at a time. After each addition, mix well to ensure that the sugar is completely incorporated.
- Next, mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla enhances the flavor, while the salt balances the sweetness.
- Whip the mixture for a few minutes on high speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This aerates the icing, making it more spreadable and giving it a luxurious texture.
- If the icing is too soft to spread, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly. This makes it easier to apply a smooth, even layer on your carrot cake.
