Description
This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, smooth, and flavorful fall-inspired frosting that perfectly combines creamy cream cheese with warm pumpkin spices. Ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, it offers a deliciously spiced sweetness with cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves for depth. Easy to make and versatile, this frosting is a seasonal favorite that adds a cozy touch to your desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Flavorings and Spices
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Sweetener
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps and well combined.
- Add pumpkin and spices: Incorporate the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves (if using), and salt into the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
- Sweeten and adjust consistency: Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, starting on low mixer speed to combine, then increase to medium-high speed and beat until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. Add more powdered sugar if you desire a thicker consistency suitable for piping.
- Use or store: Immediately use the frosting to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or cover and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Before using refrigerated frosting, let it soften at room temperature and rewhip if necessary.
Notes
- Ensure your pumpkin purée is not too watery; blot excess moisture with a paper towel if needed to keep the frosting thick and creamy.
- This frosting pairs exceptionally well with spice cake, pumpkin bars, or cinnamon rolls, enhancing their autumn flavors.
- For piping decorations or a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar or chill the frosting before use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
