My mother-in-law requested I bring this frosting to our family brunch and I said ‘Sure!’

My Mother-in-Law Requested I Bring This Frosting to Our Family Brunch — And I Said ‘Sure!’

You know you’ve struck gold when your mother-in-law asks you to bring something to a family event. Not just anything either — the frosting.

Not a casserole. Not a side dish. Not even dessert.

Just. The. Frosting.

And honestly? I get it.

This frosting is so good, you could put it on cardboard and people would still ask for seconds. It’s rich, creamy, just the right amount of sweet, and honestly, it’s become a little bit of a legend in our family. At brunch, they were literally passing around the container like it was dip.

Because this isn’t just a topping. It’s a whole experience.

Why Everyone Loves This Frosting

Smooth and fluffy – No gritty sugar or overly thick globs here.

Perfectly sweet – Not too rich, just indulgent enough.

Super versatile – Use it on cinnamon rolls, muffins, pancakes, cupcakes, or… a spoon.

Make-ahead friendly – Stays good in the fridge and even freezes well.

The Frosting Recipe That Earned a Brunch Invite

Whether you’re spreading it over warm cinnamon rolls, stacking it between layers of cake, or letting people scoop it onto their waffles (yes, that happened), this frosting is about to become a family favorite in your house too.

✨ Cream Cheese Vanilla Frosting (aka the One Everyone Wants)

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar (more or less to taste)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Optional: 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for extra fluffiness)

Instructions:

Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. This is key — no lumps allowed!

Add powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing on low to start, then increasing to medium-high until fully incorporated.

Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of cream or milk until you get the consistency you want.

Whip it! For ultra-fluffy frosting, beat on high for 1–2 more minutes until light and airy.

How to Use It (Besides Eating It by the Spoonful)