Creamy Pink Cream Cheese Frosting
A quick and easy homemade cream cheese frosting with a subtle pink tint from natural sources, perfect for cakes and cupcakes with a creamy, tangy-sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups frosting (approximately 12 servings of 2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp beet juice or strawberry puree (optional for pink tint)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese and butter by letting them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale, smooth, and creamy.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar about ½ cup at a time on low speed to avoid sugar clouds, then increase speed to medium and beat for 3-4 minutes until silky and light.
- Mix in vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice, then beat for 1 minute.
- Stir in beet juice or strawberry puree for a soft pink color, adjusting amount to taste.
- If frosting is too soft, chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes; if too thick, add about 1 tsp milk and beat again.
- Give the frosting a final beat on medium-high speed for 30 seconds to make it extra fluffy and creamy.
- Use immediately or refrigerate up to 3 days; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Notes
Softening cream cheese and butter to room temperature is key for smooth frosting. Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Beat frosting until light and fluffy but avoid overbeating. Use natural beet juice or strawberry puree for pink color without artificial dyes. Chill frosting if too soft and add milk if too thick. Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Protein: 1.5
Keywords: cream cheese frosting, pink frosting, homemade frosting, easy frosting recipe, natural food coloring, cupcake frosting, cake frosting