Do you ever feel like canned cream cheese frosting is a bit bland? Although pre-made, store-bought frosting is a quicker and more convenient option than homemade frosting, it often lacks the flavor and texture we’re looking for in delicious desserts. So how do we fix this problem so we can have our cake and eat it too?
In this blog post, we’ll show you just how easy it is to make your canned cream cheese frosting taste better with minimal effort. Whether you’re making cupcakes, cookies, or cake, these frosting hacks will give you just the flavor and texture boost you need to whip up a delicious treat every time. Let’s dig in!
Why Use Cream Cheese Frosting?
You’d think that cream cheese on a sweet treat would be an odd pairing, but in actuality, it’s quite delicious! Cream cheese frosting has a unique and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of cake, cupcakes, or cookies. Plus, it can be used for a variety of different decorations and creations.
How to Make Canned Cream Cheese Frosting Better
So, you’ve got a can of cream cheese frosting that just isn’t cutting it… what are your options? There are plenty of different ways to get your lackluster frosting to homemade quality in no time.
Whip It Up
Want your frosting nice and fluffy? Then all you need is a hand mixer with a whisk attachment. This will incorporate more air into the frosting, making it fluffy and light. Just beat your frosting on medium speed for around 30 seconds to a minute, and you’ll be good to go!
Add Whipped Cream
Whipped cream is great for giving your canned frosting a light and creamy texture. You can use homemade or store-bought whip cream, like Cool Whip. Just keep in mind that store-bought whip cream is more prone to deflating, so you may want to avoid it.
Once you’ve got your whipped cream ready, mix equal parts frosting and whip cream together until fully combined. Voila!
Thin It Out
If you find that your canned cream cheese frosting is too thick, you can add some heavy whipping cream or milk to thin it out. Start by adding 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until you get the desired consistency.
Make It a Glaze
Why not up the decadence and make your canned cream cheese frosting into a glaze? Not only will this give you a richer flavor, but it will make your cupcakes and pastries look more professional.
To make your frosting into a glaze, simply microwave it for 20-30 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl and stir well. Then, pour it over your dessert of choice for a glistening finish!
Give It Some Color
Give your frosting a mini makeover, and add some food coloring! This is a great way to make your frosting more visually appealing, as well as give it more vibrant colors than you can find in nature. You can use food coloring to create unique designs on your frosting or just mix them together for fun effects. Get creative with it!
​Texturize It
Adding texture is one of the best ways to doctor up store-bought frosting. Try smashing up some Oreos or adding coconut flakes, toffee bits, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. For something really special, try combining two or three of these mix-ins together.
Add Citrus
The brightness of citrus and tanginess of cream cheese are a match made in dessert heaven. To add a vivid blast of flavor to your cream cheese frosting, mix in the zest of a lime, lemon, or orange. You can also add a few drops of lime juice or lemon juice to brighten up the flavor.
Give It a Flavor Boost
Everything tastes better with a bit of extra flavor! To add some extra oomph to your cream cheese frosting, try adding a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
If you want to get adventurous, you can also try adding a teaspoon of almond, peppermint, or orange extract. To make things a lil spicy, add in a 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice seasoning for a perfect fall flavor.
Make It Fruity
Instead of using flavor extracts, go the extra mile and mash up some fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries and mix them into your frosting. You can also add some fruit preserves or jams for a sweeter taste, or try sprinkling in some freeze-dried fruit powder.
Booze It Up
Pour a lil’ fun into your dessert with liqueur for a delicious adult beverage. Just add a couple of tablespoons of your favorite liqueur. It can be anything from Kahlua and Amaretto to Frangelico and Grand Marnier. These taste amazing with chocolate or coffee-flavored desserts, but you can use them on any type of pastry or cake.
​FAQs
Can I add cream cheese to canned cream cheese frosting?
You sure can! Adding more cream cheese will give the frosting a richer taste and denser texture. It’s a great way to thicken up a frosting that is too thin or too bland.
How do you thicken canned cream cheese frosting?
In addition to cream cheese, cornstarch can also be used to thicken your frosting without adding any additional sweetness. All you have to do is mix a tablespoon of cornstarch into the frosting, adding a little more at a time as needed.
Should I refrigerate cream cheese frosting before piping?
Yes. Cream cheese is likely to spoil if left out for too long, so it’s best to refrigerate the frosting before piping.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing what you can do with a little can of cream cheese frosting! With these helpful tips and tricks, you can take your canned frosting from boring to brilliant in no time.
So don’t let bland frosting ruin your baking projects — whip up a delicious treat with ease, using all the ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
