
This recipe can be made while a cake bakes or the day before, just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature so it’s easily spreadable. And, if you prefer frosting that’s a bit tangier, add about two-thirds of the sugar and taste the mixture before adding more. Medium consistency is best for borders such as stars, dots, rosettes and shells, and other decorations that remain relatively flat. For pure white frosting, add up to 2 tablespoons of clear liquid. This prevents the powdered sugar from bursting out of the bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric hand mixer. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of soy milk.

The tapioca does a better job of helping to thicken the frosting. Medium Consistency: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid (light corn syrup, milk or water) for each cup of stiff frosting. In a medium bowl, cream soft vegan butter with an electric hand mixer until smooth, fluffy and whiter in color about 30 seconds. Look for a confectioners’ sugar made with tapioca starch instead of cornstarch (check the ingredients). This is not a time to swap out full-fat cream cheese for a low-fat alternative or use anything but powdered sugar. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. (If you go the second route, wrap a large dish towel into a ring shape around the base of a mixing bowl to help it stay in place.) Another bonus: The ingredient list is short and sweet.

A stand mixer with a paddle attachment works well, but a handheld mixer is just fine here. You can use a hand mixer and a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. This recipe requires almost no prep time or special equipment. Beat in the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth and creamy. It’s so easy and versatile, it’ll soon become your new favorite frosting. In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the butter until light and smooth. In fact, homemade cream cheese frosting can be used to add a pleasantly sweet and tangy note to almost any cupcake or layer cake recipe that calls for buttercream frosting, including this Double Banana Cake. Too often the frosting is pigeon-holed and we aim to change that here and now.

Let us clear something up: Classic cream cheese frosting recipes like this one aren’t just for topping carrot cakes, cinnamon rolls, or red velvet cakes.
