Cream cheese icing and cream cheese frosting are very similar, but there are some differences between the two that affect taste, texture, and best uses. Understanding the distinctions can help you decide which to use for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
The Main Differences
The primary differences between cream cheese icing and frosting are:
- Cream cheese icing is made by mixing cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. Cream cheese frosting also includes cream or milk.
- Cream cheese icing has a thicker, denser consistency while cream cheese frosting is lighter and fluffier.
- Cream cheese icing is best used as a filling between cake layers or for decorating the sides of cakes. Cream cheese frosting works well for frosting the tops of cakes and cupcakes.
Ingredients
While both contain cream cheese and powdered sugar as main ingredients, they differ in the other components.
Cream Cheese Icing
Cream cheese icing typically contains:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
The higher butter content gives the icing a firmer, dough-like texture that holds its shape well.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting has:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
The addition of cream or milk makes the frosting lighter, fluffier, and easier to spread.
Texture
The textures of cream cheese icing and frosting are noticeably different:
Cream Cheese Icing Texture
- Thick, scoopable consistency
- Dense and doughy
- Holds its shape well
- Not pourable or spreadable
Cream Cheese Frosting Texture
- Light, fluffy consistency
- Smooth and creamy
- Still thick but less dense
- Spreadable
Cream cheese icing is like a thick glaze while cream cheese frosting has a silkier, mousse-like texture.
Uses
Due to their different consistencies, cream cheese icings and frostings lend themselves to different decorating uses.
Uses for Cream Cheese Icing
- Filling between cake layers
- Coating the sides of layer cakes
- Decorative accents like rosettes and borders
- Drizzling over cupcakes
Uses for Cream Cheese Frosting
- Frosting the tops of cakes and cupcakes
- Covering an entire cake with a smooth coat
- Decorative elements like flowers and piping
- Filling for cream puffs or whoopie pies
Cream cheese icing is great for decorating the sides of cakes because it will hold its shape well. Cream cheese frosting works best for the smooth top layer.
Flavors
Both cream cheese icings and frostings take well to added flavors:
| Flavored Cream Cheese Icings | Flavored Cream Cheese Frostings |
|---|---|
| Lemon | Strawberry |
| Honey | Coconut |
| Maple | Chocolate |
| Peppermint | Coffee |
| Candied ginger | Almond |
From fruits to nuts to extracts, there are endless flavor options to make both sweet and savory cream cheese-based icings and frostings.
Stability
The denser texture of cream cheese icing makes it more stable and longer-lasting than softer frosting.
- Cream cheese icing can sit at room temperature for a couple of days without softening.
- Cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated and brought to room temperature before using.
- Covered well in the fridge, both can last 5-7 days.
The butter in cream cheese icing helps it hold its shape better, making it the better choice for decorating cakes further in advance.
Nutrition
Cream cheese icings and frostings are rich dessert toppings, high in calories, fat, and sugar:
| Nutrition Facts | Cream Cheese Icing (2 tbsp) | Cream Cheese Frosting (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 130 |
| Total Fat | 9g | 8g |
| Carbs | 13g | 14g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
Cream cheese icing tends to be slightly higher in calories and fat due to the extra butter. But both should be enjoyed in moderation.
Cost
Cream cheese icings and frostings cost about the same to make at home. The ingredients are very similar with just minor adjustments to the dairy components.
Expect to spend around $5 to make enough icing or frosting to decorate a 2-layer 8-inch cake. Cream cheese and powdered sugar are the most expensive items.
Conclusion
While very alike, cream cheese icing and cream cheese frosting shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Use cream cheese icing when you need a stable, sculptable texture to decorate cake sides or fill layers.
- Use cream cheese frosting when you want a smooth, spreadable top layer for cakes and cupcakes.
- Adjust cream cheese icing consistency by adding milk or cream a little at a time if you need to make it more spreadable.
- Add more powdered sugar to firm up runny cream cheese frosting.
Now that you know the distinction between the two, you can decide which cream cheese-based topping is best for your baking needs.