Step 1

**See notes for frosting amounts and customizations (how to add chocolate, fruit, brown butter, spices, or color).

Step 2

Add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. You can also use a hand mixer.

Step 3

Mix on medium to medium-high speed until completely smooth.

Step 4

Mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl after the 3rd cup.

Step 5

After the 5th cup, scrape down the bowl again and mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 6

If the frosting is too thin, place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to thicken. Otherwise, it’s ready to pipe or spread!