Instructions

1. Place the stick of butter in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer for one minute. Add 1/2 lb. of sifted powdered sugar and continue beat until well incorporated. Add 1 tsp. of vanilla extract to flavor and beat to combine.

2. Add 8 oz. of softened cream cheese to the vanilla buttercream. Beat well with a mixer to combine to create cream cheese buttercream frosting.

3. Add cream cheese to ready-mixed vanilla frosting. If you are starting with a store-bought vanilla frosting, you can add softened cream cheese to taste. Empty your vanilla frosting into a bowl and add softened cream cheese, 2 oz. at a time, beating well with an electric mixer. Continue adding cream cheese until the mixture reaches the desired taste and consistency.

4. Add cream cheese flavoring. If you are starting with a ready-mixed vanilla frosting, you can augment the flavor by adding artificial cream cheese flavoring. Artificial cream cheese flavoring is available through specialty baking stores online. Consult the label on your bottle of flavoring to determine how much to add as this will vary between brands.