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Slice of bundt cake topped with cream cheese glaze

Cream Cheese Glaze

This easy cream cheese glaze is smooth, creamy, tangy, and ready in 5 minutes. Perfect for cinnamon rolls, bundt cakes, muffins, quick breads, brownies, and cakes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream add slowly to adjust consistency
  • 1 pinch salt optional
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter optional, softened, for a richer glaze

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl Medium size
  • 1 Hand mixer Or whisk
  • 1 Spatula For scraping the bowl
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measuring
  • 1 Sifter Optional, for powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Add the softened cream cheese to a medium mixing bowl. Beat until completely smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until combined and smooth.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream and mix again.
  4. Check the consistency. For a thicker glaze, stop here. For a thinner drizzle, add more milk or cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired texture.
  5. Spoon, spread, pour, or drizzle the cream cheese glaze over cinnamon rolls, bundt cakes, muffins, quick breads, brownies, or cakes.
  6. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. If it is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time.

Notes

For the smoothest cream cheese glaze, make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. Add milk or heavy cream slowly because a small amount can quickly change the texture. For cinnamon rolls, keep the glaze thicker. For bundt cakes or muffins, add a little more liquid for a pourable drizzle. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the glaze sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and stir before using.