Description
This espresso cream cheese frosting combines bold coffee flavor with creamy, tangy richness for a sophisticated, easy-to-make topping. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or cinnamon rolls, it’s a coffee lover’s dream and comes together in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups (240–300 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tsp instant espresso powder, to taste
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) heavy cream or milk, optional for consistency
Instructions
- Take cream cheese and butter out of the fridge and let them soften at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until soft but not melting.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add instant espresso powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat for 30 seconds to evenly distribute.
- Sift 2 cups powdered sugar into the bowl. Beat on low speed to combine, then increase to medium-high for 1-2 minutes. Taste and add up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar for a thicker or sweeter frosting, beating after each addition.
- If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Beat on high for an additional 30 seconds for extra fluffiness.
- If needed, chill the frosting in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before spreading or piping.
- Spread generously over cooled cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or other treats. For piping, transfer to a pastry bag with your favorite tip.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture. Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Adjust espresso powder to taste. If frosting is too soft, chill briefly or add more powdered sugar. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and butter. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 40g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Protein: 1
Keywords: espresso cream cheese frosting, coffee frosting, cream cheese icing, espresso dessert, easy frosting, gluten-free frosting, coffee cake topping, cupcake frosting, bold coffee flavor, homemade frosting