Introduction

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich and flavorful twist on classic cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall desserts. Its creamy texture and warm pumpkin spice notes make it an ideal topping for cakes, cupcakes, and muffins.

The image shows a close-up of a single cupcake in the center with several similar cupcakes blurred in the background. The cupcake has three clear layers: the bottom is a light brown, moist cake inside a white pleated paper liner; on top of the cake is a swirl of white cream frosting with smooth texture; the frosting is drizzled with a golden caramel sauce that glistens. Behind the cupcakes, orange pumpkins and autumn leaves add a festive touch. All items rest on a white marbled surface with a soft, bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, well softened
8 ounces pumpkin flavored cream cheese (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
4-5 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the butter until smooth. Add half of the pumpkin cream cheese and beat until fully incorporated and smooth. Then add the remaining cream cheese, vanilla extract, and salt.
Step 2: Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and blend until smooth. Add 2 more cups of powdered sugar and mix until no powder remains. Check the consistency and add additional powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is as stiff as you prefer.

Tips & Variations

Use regular cream cheese and add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice if pumpkin flavored cream cheese isn’t available.
Chill the frosting briefly if it becomes too soft to spread easily.
Adjust powdered sugar amounts based on how sweet and thick you want the frosting.

Storage

Store any baked goods with this cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The frosting itself can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and stir gently to restore spreadability.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a single pumpkin cupcake resting on a white marbled surface, with a golden brown base wrapped in a white cupcake liner. On top, three tall swirls of creamy white frosting create a soft, smooth texture, drizzled with an amber caramel sauce that glistens. Small pecan crumbs are sprinkled lightly over the caramel. Surrounding the cupcake are two small orange pumpkins with rugged stems, a beige cloth to the right, a wooden spoon with caramel next to the cupcake, and a few other cupcakes blurred in the background. The overall color scheme mixes warm tones of orange, caramel, and white, with a cozy fall feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this frosting without pumpkin flavored cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese and add pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to mimic the pumpkin flavor.

How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

To thicken the frosting, add more powdered sugar a little at a time. To thin it out, beat in a small amount of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 83 reviews

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich and creamy topping perfect for fall-inspired desserts. Made with pumpkin-flavored cream cheese, butter, and just the right amount of powdered sugar and vanilla, this frosting is smooth, slightly tangy, and bursting with autumn warmth, ideal for cakes, cupcakes, and more.

Author: Toney
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Enough to frost 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch layer cake
Category: Frosting
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Frosting Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, well softened
8 ounces pumpkin flavored cream cheese (about 1 cup), softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
4–5 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Beat Butter: Beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth using a mixer on medium speed to ensure a creamy base.
Add Cream Cheese: Add half of the pumpkin flavored cream cheese to the butter and beat until fully incorporated and smooth. Then add the remaining cream cheese, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt, continuing to beat until the mixture is evenly blended.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar and blend until smooth. Then add another 2 cups and mix thoroughly until no powder remains. Assess the frosting’s consistency and add additional powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired stiffness is achieved.
Storage: Store any baked goods with this cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.
Enjoy and Share: If you try this frosting, consider leaving a comment or rating to share your experience!

Notes

Ensure butter and cream cheese are well softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Adjust powdered sugar amount to achieve preferred consistency; more sugar for stiffer frosting, less for softer.
Refrigerate frosted baked goods to keep frosting fresh and safe.
This frosting pairs wonderfully with spice cakes, carrot cakes, or pumpkin cupcakes.
Use a hand or stand mixer for best results.

Keywords: pumpkin cream cheese frosting, pumpkin frosting, cream cheese frosting recipe, fall frosting, holiday dessert topping