Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting is a smooth, tangy, and lightly sweet topping that pairs beautifully with cakes, cupcakes, carrot bakes, and red velvet creations. This frosting delivers the perfect balance between creamy richness and gentle acidity, giving baked goods a fresh and luxurious finish. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and provides a consistent texture that spreads effortlessly or pipes neatly for decorative designs.

What Is Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic icing made from cream cheese, butter, and icing sugar mixed into a smooth, fluffy topping ideal for a wide range of baked desserts.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Beautifully balanced flavour – Not overly sweet, with gentle tanginess.
• Versatile frosting – Suitable for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and traybakes.
• Quick to prepare – Ready in minutes with minimal effort.
• Stable texture – Holds its shape well when chilled.
• Beginner-friendly – Simple ingredients and easy steps.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 200g full-fat cream cheese – Ensures a smooth, firm frosting.
• 100g unsalted butter (softened) – Helps create a creamy, spreadable base.
• 350g icing sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavour depth and warmth.
• Pinch of salt (optional) – Enhances flavour balance.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – Creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Large mixing bowl – Allows enough room for beating the frosting.
• Rubber spatula – Helps scrape down sides for even mixing.
• Measuring spoons – Keep flavours precise.
• Cooling rack – Ensures cakes are cooled fully before frosting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1 — Beat the butter

Whisk softened butter until pale and creamy. This step helps create a smooth base.

Step 2 — Add the cream cheese

Mix in the full-fat cream cheese and beat until well combined and lump-free.

Step 3 — Incorporate icing sugar gradually

Add icing sugar a little at a time, beating gently at first to avoid dust clouds, then mixing until fully smooth.

Step 4 — Add vanilla

Pour in vanilla extract and beat once more until fluffy and well blended.

Step 5 — Chill if needed

If the frosting feels soft, refrigerate briefly to help it firm up for piping or spreading.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Frosting too runny – Using full-fat cream cheese and chilling it fixed the texture.
• Grainy icing – Sifting icing sugar before adding created smooth results.
• Butter lumps – Ensuring butter was properly softened eliminated them.
• Too sweet – Adding a small pinch of salt balanced the sweetness.

Healthier Version of This Frosting

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese, though chilling may be needed for stability.
• Reduce icing sugar for a milder sweetness.
• Add Greek yoghurt for a lighter, tangier version.
• Swap butter with a smaller amount of margarine.
• Add fruit purée, such as strawberry, for natural sweetness and colour.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer, thicker frosting.
• Replace vanilla extract with lemon zest for fresh citrus notes.
• Use coconut cream for a dairy-reduced option.
• Add cocoa powder for a chocolate cream cheese frosting.
• Use maple syrup instead of vanilla for warm sweetness.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With This Frosting

• Carrot cake – A classic combination with perfect balance.
• Red velvet cupcakes – Enhance the cocoa flavour.
• Banana cake – Adds welcome creaminess.
• Spice cakes – Complement cinnamon and nutmeg flavours.
• Traybakes – Spreads smoothly and adds a polished finish.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the firmest structure.
• Beat butter first to avoid lumps later.
• Chill before piping if the room is warm.
• Avoid over-beating to prevent loosening.
• Sift icing sugar for a smooth finish.
• Work quickly so the frosting stays firm.
• Use cold cream cheese to maintain thickness.

Creative Ways to Customise This Frosting

• Add cinnamon for a warm spice.
• Fold in crushed berries for colour and tang.
• Mix in caramel for a sweet, buttery twist.
• Add espresso powder for a coffee-flavoured icing.
• Blend in orange zest for citrus flair.

Storing Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting the Right Way

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw in the fridge.
• Re-whip lightly after chilling to restore smoothness.
• Keep frosted cakes refrigerated for best freshness.
• Avoid leaving at room temperature for extended periods.

How to Reheat Cream Cheese Frosting (If Needed)

If too firm after refrigeration, let the frosting sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Stir gently to soften—avoid microwaving, as it may cause separation.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~210
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 11g
• Protein: 2g
• Fibre: 0g
• Sugar: 25g

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FAQs

Why is my cream cheese frosting runny?

Cream cheese frosting turns runny when the cream cheese is too warm or when the mixture is over-beaten. Use full-fat, cold cream cheese and softened (not melted) butter. If it still feels soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes to help it firm up.

How do I make cream cheese frosting thicker?

Add a little more icing sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the texture becomes pipeable. Chilling the frosting briefly also helps it set without affecting the flavour.

Can I pipe cream cheese frosting on cupcakes?

Yes, as long as the frosting is firm. Use full-fat cream cheese, avoid over-mixing, and refrigerate the frosting for a short time before piping to help it hold its shape.

How do I stop cream cheese frosting from becoming lumpy?

Beat the butter first until smooth, then add cream cheese and mix until fully combined. Sift icing sugar before adding it, which prevents graininess and creates a smooth finish.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Cream Cheese Frosting is a quick, creamy, and versatile icing that elevates any baked treat with its gentle tang and smooth texture. Whether used on cupcakes, layer cakes, or simple traybakes, it delivers flavour and consistency that never disappoints.