What is the difference between cream cheese frosting and cream cheese icing?

While the terms cream cheese frosting and cream cheese icing are pretty much used interchangeably today (I do it all the time), there are some actual differences. It’s not super important, but for the sake of being correct, let’s look at them… They are similar when it comes to ingredients (they both feature cream cheese, butter, and sugar), but here are a few ways they’re different…

Consistency – Cream cheese frosting is usually thicker and fluffier, while cream cheese icing is thinner and more pourable.
Uses – Cream cheese icing is often used as a glaze or drizzled over pastries. Meanwhile, cream cheese frosting is usually piped onto cakes or cupcakes, but it can also be spread on top of these desserts.
Creation – Cream cheese frosting is made by creaming together softened butter and cream cheese, then gradually adding powdered sugar and flavorings. Cream cheese icing is usually made by adding milk or cream to a mixture that is essentially frosting to make it thinner.

How to store a cake with cream cheese frosting:

Cream cheese frosting and cakes covered in it will need to be refrigerated within two hours – according to the FDA. They also say that cakes made with cream cheese (like cream cheese pound cake) should follow the same rule.

I’ve never refrigerated a cream cheese pound cake in my life. And I’ve never seen my mother or grandmother do it either. But that’s not advice. 😂

I typically store cakes frosted with cream cheese frosting, like red velvet, on the counter for up to 3 days. But again, that’s not advice.

You may store the frosting by itself in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
You may freeze the frosting by itself for up to 3 months.

Once on a cake, you can store the cake, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator for up to a week or up to 3 months in the freezer.

How do I soften cream cheese?

It is important to soften your cream cheese before making the frosting so everything blends together easily. There are several ways you can soften cream cheese quickly. You can choose any of the following methods:

Submerge in a large mixing bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes.
Microwave the cream cheese in 15-second intervals.
Leave out your cream cheese on the counter at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. This is my preferred method.
Place in your hands while still in the packaging for about 15 minutes. Press the packaging back and forth in your palms until you can feel it is creamy and approximately room temperature.