Cream cheese frosting and buttercream frosting are two popular frosting choices, but they are made differently and have distinct characteristics. Understanding the differences between the two can help you decide which is best for your baking needs.
What is Cream Cheese Frosting?
Cream cheese frosting is a rich, creamy frosting made with cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. The main ingredients are:
- Cream cheese – Provides the tangy cream cheese flavor and creamy texture
- Butter – Adds richness and moisture
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting
- Flavorings like vanilla or lemon juice are also commonly added
Cream cheese gives this frosting a distinctive tangy flavor and smooth, creamy texture. The cream cheese also makes the frosting more dense and stable, so it can hold its shape well without becoming runny.
What is Buttercream Frosting?
Buttercream frosting starts with a base of butter, powdered sugar, and sometimes milk or cream. The main ingredients are:
- Butter – Provides moisture, richness, and structure
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting
- Milk or cream – Helps thin out the frosting to the ideal consistency
- Vanilla or other flavorings
With its high butter content, this frosting has a creamy, buttery taste and smooth, silky texture. It is lighter and fluffier than cream cheese frosting.
Key Differences
Here are some of the main differences between cream cheese and buttercream frosting:
| Cream Cheese Frosting | Buttercream Frosting |
|---|---|
| Tangy, creamy flavor from cream cheese | Sweet, buttery flavor |
| Denser, heavier texture | Fluffier, lighter texture |
| Holds shape well without getting runny | More delicate, can get soft in heat |
| Lower sugar content | Very sweet with more powdered sugar |
Uses for Each Frosting
Due to their different characteristics, cream cheese and buttercream frosting are better suited for certain uses.
Cream cheese frosting is ideal for:
- Frosting carrot cake, red velvet cake, and spice cakes
- Filling and topping cupcakes
- Decorating sugar cookies
- Providing stability for decorating cakes
Buttercream frosting works well for:
- Cake frosting and filling
- Decorated cookies
- Piping flower, borders, and decorative elements on cakes
- Gluing cake layers together
Making Substitutions
In a pinch, buttercream and cream cheese frosting can be substituted for one another, but the texture and flavor will be a bit different. When substituting, consider:
- Buttercream may need a pinch of salt added for flavor
- Cream cheese frosting benefits from extra milk or cream added to thin it out
- Adjust any other liquids to reach the ideal consistency
- The flavor and mouthfeel will not be exactly the same
Conclusion
Cream cheese and buttercream frostings have significantly different ingredients, textures, flavors, and ideal uses. Cream cheese frosting has a tangy flavor and thick, stable texture perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes. Buttercream is lighter, sweeter, and excellent for frosting layers, piping details, and gluing tiers. Understanding the differences allows you to choose the very best frosting for your baking needs.