Crusting Cream Cheese Frosting

1 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Intermediate
Crusting Cream Cheese Frosting
This was a bakery recipe that was shared - perfect for wedding cakes with cream cheese, butter, and Crisco. The secret to that professional bakery finish is the crusting texture that holds up beautifully for decorating and stays stable even at room temperature.

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Butter (soft)
  • ½ Cup Crisco
  • 1 lb Cream Cheese
  • 1 T Vanilla
  • 3 ½ lbs Powdered Confectionery Sugar
  • ½ t salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients until desired consistency. Spread on cake.
  2. COCONUT CAKE: Mix together - One Duncan Hines White and Yellow Cake mixes and use the whole egg even though it calls for only the white of the egg.
  3. Add a teaspoon of coconut flavor to the batter. Bake as directed.
  4. Frosting can be used for filling. Pineapple filling also compliments this cake.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my frosting too soft to spread?

A: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted. If the frosting is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes, then re-whip before using. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it up.

Q: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

A: Yes, this frosting stores well. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using to restore the smooth, spreadable consistency.

Q: Why does my frosting have a grainy texture?

A: This usually means the powdered sugar wasn't fully incorporated. Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy. Make sure you're using confectioner's sugar, not granulated.

Tips and Techniques

The Crisco is the secret ingredient that creates the crusting effect - don’t substitute it with more butter or the frosting won’t set up properly. For best results, beat the frosting for several minutes until it’s very light and fluffy before spreading on your cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Crisco: all butter (2 cups total butter instead of 1 cup butter + ½ cup Crisco)
  • vanilla extract: almond extract or coconut extract

Equipment Needed

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Offset spatula for spreading

Historical Context

Crusting buttercream became popular in Southern bakeries because it holds up well in warm weather and creates a smooth canvas for decorating. The addition of cream cheese gives this version extra richness and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with coconut cake.