Sugar Free Frosting {With Cream Cheese}

Quick and easy sugar free frosting recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Uses sugar free powdered sugar and cream cheese to make it rich, fluffy, creamy. Perfect for spreading on cakes, piping on cupcakes and cake decorating.

It's taken me years to perfect this recipe that is slightly better for diabetics. It pairs very well with my Sugar Free Chocolate Cupcakes. You can also use it on cakes and brownies and all other types of desserts. For me, it will never taste as good as my favorite classic American Buttercream Frosting or Easy Sour Cream Frosting (Vanilla), because I feel like sugar free sweeteners have a subtle taste and I am just not used to that. However, this icing came very close in texture and flavor to my classic recipe that holds its shape and is easy to pipe and spread on desserts.

Jump to:

• Key ingredients
• Variations
• How to make easy sugar free frosting without powdered sugar?
• How can I thicken frosting without sugar?
• Tips and techniques
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage
• More frosting recipes
• Recipe

Key ingredients

• Butter- I always recommend unsalted butter for this recipe for peak taste.
• Cream cheese- Be sure it is full fat for best results and a creamy texture.
• Swerve confectioners sugar- You can make your own, but this was an easy option that I found on Amazon.
• Vanilla- I suggest using a clear extract for a whiter color. You can also use other extracts.
• Milk- The higher the fat content, the creamier the frosting will be.

Variations

• Chocolate flavor- Add ¼ unsweetened cocoa powder. You will also have to add more milk to create the perfect consistency. Adjust the amount of amount of powdered sugar, based on your preference.
• Try other extracts- Including almond, maple, lemon, or even mint to make an Easy Mint Frosting.
• Mix in some zest- Such as lemon, lime, or orange.
• Use some fresh fruit- You can try raspberries, chopped strawberries, chunks of mango, or blueberries like I did in these Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes.
• Add some color- Use gel food coloring to change things up. This is especially great for holidays, birthdays, and special events, similar to what I didi with these 4th of July Cupcakes and Easy Christmas Tree Cupcakes.
• Toss in some nuts- Such as walnuts, peanuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or cashews into the mix.

How to make easy sugar free frosting without powdered sugar?

How can I thicken frosting without sugar?

• Use sugar free powdered sugar- Swerve confectioners sugar is great and I highly recommend it. You can also prepare homemade sugar free powdered sugar, which is made with Splenda. Add more powdered sugar and and whip until frosting is thickened to desired consistency.
• Use less liquid- Lower the quantities of milk or vanilla extract to maintain the thick texture.
• Use meringue powder- This is dried egg white powder and add 1.5 tablespoon should make the frosting more stable and thick.
• Use cornstarch- Add 1- 2 tablespoon and whip again until frosting thickens.

Tips and techniques

• Whip frosting- Because whipping makes the frosting more fluffy and creamy. Be sure to whip for 2-3 minutes.
• Chill frosting- For 20 minutes in the fridge so that it firms up even more and that makes it easier to pipe.
• I suggest Philadelphia full fat cream cheese- Because it's richer and thicker than the generic brands I have tried.
• Use unsalted butter- Because this gives the best overall flavor and won't make the frosting too salty.
• Use clear vanilla- If you want pure white frosting as opposed to a slightly darker tint from regular vanilla extract.
• Room temperature ingredients should be used- Because this ensures ingredients mix well together.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Refrigerate- Store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze- Store in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge, whip, and use to spread or pipe.
• Make ahead- This can easily be made 4-5 days in advance if kept in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep 2-3 days in the fridge after that. You can also freeze for up to month in a sealed container, then thaw and whip to use.
• Room temperature- Due to dairy products in this recipe, I don't recommend leaving it out for more than 2-3 hours before refrigerating.

More frosting recipes

• Maraschino Cherry Frosting (Pink)
• Easy Marshmallow Frosting (With Fluff)
• Easy Orange Frosting (Buttercream Icing)
• Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (Ermine)
• Cooked Flour Buttercream (Ermine Frosting)

Recipe