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This healthier cream cheese frosting offers a luscious, creamy texture without the extra fat and sugar of traditional versions. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it an excellent topping for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Whether you're aiming to reduce calories or just want a lighter frosting, this recipe delivers great results every time.
I discovered this recipe while wanting a lighter alternative for my birthday cake and was surprised by how creamy and satisfying it turned out. Now I regularly use it when I want a guilt-free frosting that still tastes indulgent.
Ingredients
- Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: adds creaminess and light tang, choose fullflavored brands for best taste
- The Laughing Cow Creamy Light spreadable cheese wedges: provide richness with fewer calories and fat, look for the light version
- Sugarfree, fatfree cheesecake instant pudding mix: thickens and adds subtle cheesecake flavor, be sure to use instant to avoid cooking
- Liquid stevia: natural sweetness without sugar, adjust amount carefully to avoid aftertaste
Instructions
- Combine ingredients:
- Add the Greek yogurt, spreadable cheese wedges, instant pudding mix, and liquid stevia to a large bowl
- Beat:
- Beat with a handheld electric mixer for 2 minutes until completely smooth
- Chill:
- Cover the top of the bowl with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the frosting to thicken properly. If refrigerating longer, transfer to an airtight container with a lid to maintain freshness
I love using the Laughing Cow cheese wedges because they give the frosting its signature creamy mouthfeel without feeling greasy. One memorable time, I brought cupcakes with this frosting to a family gathering and several people asked for the recipe right away because it tasted so fresh and light.
Storage tips
Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can firm up a bit when chilled but returns to a spreadable consistency if left at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Avoid leaving it out too long to prevent spoilage.
Ingredient substitutions
If you can't find The Laughing Cow wedges, try light cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese but expect a slightly denser texture. For sweetener, erythritol or monk fruit liquid concentrate also work but adjust amounts to taste. Regular pudding mix can be used but skip any that require cooking and adjust sweetness accordingly.
Serving suggestions
This frosting shines on simple vanilla or chocolate cakes but also pairs wonderfully with carrot cake, spice cake, or banana bread. Try using it as a dip for fresh fruit or as a creamy filling for sandwich cookies for a lighter twist.
This lighter cream cheese frosting is creamy and easy to make, perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes. Chill it before frosting for best results.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What ingredients create the creamy texture?
Nonfat Greek yogurt and creamy light cheese wedges are combined and whipped to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
- → How long should the frosting chill before using?
Refrigerate the frosting for at least two hours to allow it to thicken and develop a better spreadable texture.
- → Can this topping be stored after preparation?
Yes, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days, maintaining freshness and texture.
- → Is any sweetener added to this topping?
Liquid stevia is used as a low-calorie sweetener, balanced for taste without overpowering sweetness.
- → What desserts pair well with this smooth topping?
This creamy topping works wonderfully on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and similar baked treats, adding subtle tanginess and smoothness.
- → Can the sugar-free pudding mix be substituted?
The pudding mix helps with texture and stability; substituting it might change the consistency, so use alternatives cautiously.