According to the creator of this recipe, the white chocolate adds vanilla flavor to cream cheese frosting. So what exactly does white chocolate—or rather, “white confection,” seeing as we all know white chocolate isn’t truly chocolate and is, thereby, a misnomer—taste like? Not like milk chocolate. Not like dark chocolate. Maybe a little like vanilla, as the author above explains. Although we’d venture to say that this white chocolate cream cheese frosting’s vanilla-y smack is due to the ample amount of vanilla extract in the recipe. Which leaves us at something of a loss, even after slathering swoops and swirls of this frosting onto white chocolate cupcakes and demolishing, uh, thoughtfully tasting several for the sake of research. During the sugar-induced mania that ensued, David was able to describe white chocolate as “a creamy, milky flavor.”–Renee Schettler Rossi
White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 8 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 stick (4 oz) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, (be sure to check the label if you need it to be gluten free)
Instructions
- Place the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring a skillet filled halfway with water to a simmer over medium heat. Turn off the heat, place the bowl in the hot water, and let it stand, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to let any water get in the bowl or the chocolate will seize and clump.
- Remove the bowl from the water and let cool until tepid.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. (If you find little lumps in your frosting, continue to beat until the lumps dissipate.)
☞ TESTER TIP: When we're saying the butter and cream cheese ought to be at room temperature, we're not just saying it for the heck of it. If your cheese and butter aren't all squishy and squidgy, they may leave annoying little lumps in the resulting frosting.
- Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Beat in the tepid chocolate and then the vanilla just until combined.
☞ TESTER TIP: If you prefer a dense, creamy frosting, use the frosting immediately. For a lighter, fluffier frosting, beat it for 1 to 2 minutes longer. If the frosting seems too thin, refrigerate it until chilled through and thickened slightly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
I cut the original recipe in half and still generously frosted a dozen cupcakes. The flavors of this icing meld beautifully after a short rest. I found it to be the perfect complement to the white chocolate cupcakes. I think this icing would be wonderful on a dark chocolate layer cake. A full size recipe would generously frost a layer cake.
Has anyone tried making this with lactose free cream cheese? I have had success substituting it for regular cream cheese in some recipes, but it has not worked out very well in others. Thanks!
Hey Ellen,
Great question! Yes, you can use lactose-free cream cheese, but—and this is a big but (kind of like the big butt I get after too much frosting)—it depends on the brand. Some lactose-free cream cheeses have stabilizers that can affect texture, making the frosting a bit looser or even slightly grainy. If your customary brand tends to hold up well in other frostings, it should work here, but I’d do a small test batch first.
White chocolate contain some lactose because it’s made with milk solids. If you’re avoiding lactose completely, look for dairy-free white chocolate (though fair warning—it’s often harder to find and behaves a little differently when melted).
All in all, it’s a crap shoot that depends on the brand you use. I’d recommend making a small test batch before committing to a full recipe. Here’s a scaled-down version so you don’t waste ingredients:
Small Test Batch of White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
(Makes about 3/4 to 1 cup of frosting)
2 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
4 ounces (1/2 block) lactose-free cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons (1 oz) salted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let me know how it turns out!
It was really nice. I’ll be using this as my new cupcake frosting from now on.
Adrien, music to my ears!
Hi Notice the recipe call for 2 cup confection sugar, and white chocolate is normally very sweet, can we cut down the sugar? And will the cream cheese icing be too thin if I add in melted white chocolate? It will be great if you can share your views. Thank you
Felicia, we tested the recipe exactly as it appears, and we had spectacular results! Although you’re right, confectioners’ sugar is pretty sweet, so you could cut down the sugar a little, although that will alter the consistency a little. I think maybe start by adding a little less sugar than the recipe suggests at first and then see how it goes with the texture, noting the tip in the recipe about how to make the frosting fluffier if that’s what you desire. Good luck!