Cream cheese frosting is a versatile cake filler and topper that contains only five ingredients: butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Vanilla is the flavoring of choice in this recipe, but there are many possible alternatives. Cinnamon or orange flavoring might be an excellent choice for a carrot cake or pumpkin cupcakes. Or you might want to add lemon zest if you're frosting a lemon cake or dessert. Almond flavoring complements a white cake or cupcakes nicely. Take a look at the below variations for more ideas. Cream cheese comes in solid bricks and in tubs. Because it is made for spreading, the cream cheese sold in tubs contains more moisture. Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese in this frosting for the best flavor and consistency.