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creamy apple butter icing - featured image

Creamy Apple Butter Icing

  • Author: Ananya Patel
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 1/2 cups (enough for 12 cupcakes or 1 cake) 1x

Description

This easy, four-ingredient creamy apple butter icing is the perfect fall frosting, blending tangy cream cheese with spiced apple butter for a dreamy, spreadable topping. Ideal for cakes, muffins, cookies, or pancakes, it comes together in minutes and brings cozy autumn flavor to any bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (180 g) apple butter
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted if desired
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Remove cream cheese from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes to soften. For faster softening, cut into cubes.
  2. Measure out apple butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Sift powdered sugar for a smoother finish if desired.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and apple butter together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 1–2 minutes until creamy and well-blended.
  4. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed at first, then increase to medium and beat for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. The icing should be thick, smooth, and spreadable.
  5. Taste and adjust: add ground cinnamon for extra spice or a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. Mix again for 10–20 seconds.
  6. Spread or pipe onto cakes, muffins, cookies, or pancakes. For a thinner glaze, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons milk. For thicker, pipeable frosting, add extra powdered sugar as needed.
  7. Optional: Chill for 30 minutes for firmer icing, especially if piping onto cupcakes or sandwich cookies.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and sift powdered sugar. Adjust consistency with extra powdered sugar or a splash of milk as needed. Vegan and dairy-free options work well with plant-based cream cheese. Store icing in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Let icing come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 16
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Protein: 1

Keywords: apple butter icing, fall frosting, cream cheese icing, easy icing, autumn dessert, apple butter recipe, cake frosting, muffin topping, cinnamon icing, quick frosting

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Find it online: https://tastori.com/creamy-apple-butter-icing-recipe-easy-4-ingredient-fall-frosting/