Maple Frosting
Easy maple frosting is the perfect topping for all your favorite fall desserts. Creamy and flavorful, this fun twist on a classic cream cheese frosting will be the star of the show!
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support A Joyfully Mad Kitchen at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.
Grab kid tested recipes that actually work for busy families who want wholesome meals without the stress!
Maple Frosting Recipe
Making frosting from scratch isn't difficult, and it really revolutionizes the quality of your homemade baked goods. If you're ready to turn your favorite fall treat into a bakery-quality delight, then let's get to whipping up some maple frosting!
When I nailed my recipe for pumpkin cake, I knew I wanted to top it with a creamy frosting that would do justice to the fall flavors in these tasty desserts. So, I created a fluffy frosting with the most incredible flavor. This luscious topping uses pure maple syrup as the sweetener for a big bowl of delicious cream cheese frosting.
It is now in the running as my favorite frosting, and it's tied for first place with vanilla buttercream. Two totally different recipes, but equally amazing
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Even the most novice of bakers can successfully make their own frosting. This recipe is really easy to follow, so it doesn't require any special skills or techniques.
- Make frosting in just a few minutes' time. It really won't add much to your time in the kitchen, and it's way better than store-bought frosting.
- Use maple frosting on baked goods that you can sell at bake sales, share with friends, or bring to holiday parties. Then you'll be the person who brought the most memorable and tasty dessert!
Ingredients
Six simple ingredients are all you need to make the best frosting ever! Here's what you'll need to grab:
- cream cheese
- butter
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- maple syrup
- ground cinnamon
Substitutions and Variations
I haven't tried using dairy-free cream cheese in this recipe, but feel free to give it a try. If you are dairy-free, then this could be a great way to create a yummy homemade frosting.
If you would like a more powerful maple flavor, swap the vanilla extract for maple extract! But a little goes a LONG way, trust me.
I recommend using unsalted butter. However, if you only have salted butter on hand that will work too. Just keep in mind that the finished product may be a little more salty.
How to Make Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Here's how to make this maple frosting recipe:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and softened unsalted butter.
- Then, add ½ cup of confectioners' sugar at a time and until reach the right consistency and sweetness.
- Add maple syrup to the cream cheese frosting and then taste test it again. If you want more maple flavoring then add a bit of maple syrup to the frosting and mix again.
- Once ready, frost sheet cake, cake layer or pumpkin cupcakes. You can also place the frosting in the fridge until ready to use.
Uses for Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
This easy maple cream cheese frosting is the stuff of dreams for every maple lover. Use it however you want!
- Cakes and cupcakes: It would be delicious on spice cakes, maple carrot cake and so much more. It has the perfect consistency for piping. Scoop it into a piping bag with a nice star tip and pipe onto any of your freshly baked (but cooled) goods.
- Breakfast treats: Revolutionize your morning homemade cinnamon rolls with maple cream cheese frosting. You could also pipe it into donuts for a magical filling idea!
- Cookies: You can put frosting on top of cookies too, and these cinnamon cookies may just be the perfect vehicle to deliver this deliciously creamy frosting! Or spread it on the bottom of pumpkin snickerdoodles for the best cookie sandwiches.
Tips for Success
- When mixing the frosting ingredients together, stop frequently and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Use full-fat cream cheese in this recipe. The higher fat content makes for richer frosting — promise!
- Be sure you do not over-beat the frosting. It can become too soft and won't hold its shape, which can make it impossible to use as a topping for cupcakes and cookies.
FAQ
You can refrigerate frosting to keep it fresh. However, it is important to let it come to room temperature before piping it or spreading it onto a cake. The butter and cream cheese in the frosting must soften into a malleable consistency so that they easily spread. Before frosting a cake, take the cream cheese frosting out of the fridge for a bit!
If you end up with leftover frosting, you can actually save it for later! Place leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cream cheese frosting for up to a month. However, it may change texture once thawed!
How much frosting does this make?
This recipe makes about two cups of frosting. This is enough for:
- 12 to 18 standard size cupcakes
- One 9x13 sheet pan
- One 8-inch or 9-inch single layer cake on sides and top
- One 8-inch two-layer cake with a thin layer between layers and on top
If you want to use this for a cake, I'd recommend making 1.5x the recipe below or doubling it to fully cover a two layer cake on the sides and top.
Did you make this recipe?
If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Cream Cheese Maple Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 1 - 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together 4 oz cream cheese, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup butter.
- Add 1 - 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (½ cup at a time) until you reach the desired consistency and sweetness.
- Add the 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the frosting and mix.
- Taste for sweetness and the potency of the maple flavor. If you want the maple stronger, add more syrup combine with mixer.
- Frost cake immediately or place frosting in fridge until ready to frost.
Notes
Nutrition
More Topping Recipes
My friends call me Mad and you can too. Here you'll find easy, wholesome recipes, and designed to share with those you love.
Maple frosting goes on EVERYTHING!
Could I use this frosting on cinnamon rolls?
I've never tried but I don't see why not! It might be a little different than traditional cream cheese icing, but probably delicious either way!
Looking to make this frosting for a chocolate cake. Do you have a recommended serving size for a two layer round cake? Thanks!
Thank you for asking! I would recommend doubling this recipe so that you have 4 cups of frosting to generously frost your two layer cake 😃 It sounds delicious! Would love to see a photo when you are done. You can tag us on Instagram @joyfullymad or email it to [email protected]