Cream cheese icing is a beloved frosting flavor, especially among carrot cake enthusiasts. Its tangy, creamy taste adds a richness to baked goods that’s hard to replicate with other frostings. But, have you ever found yourself standing in front of a bare baking aisle, wondering if you can buy cream cheese icing instead of making it from scratch? The answer is not a simple yes or no, and in this article, we’ll delve into the world of store-bought cream cheese icing to provide a comprehensive guide for bakers and cake enthusiasts alike.
Store-Bought Cream Cheese Icing: The Options
When it comes to buying cream cheese icing, you’ll be surprised to find that there are limited options available in most supermarkets. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here are a few options you might come across:
Online Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target often carry a range of cream cheese icing products from various brands. These products might not be readily available in local stores, but they can be delivered to your doorstep with a few clicks. Some popular brands include:
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting: Known for their high-quality cream cheese, Philadelphia offers a range of frosting products, including a cream cheese frosting that’s available online.
- Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Frosting: This well-known baking brand offers a cream cheese frosting that’s easy to find online, although availability might vary depending on your location.
Specialty Baking Stores
If you’re lucky, you might have a specialty baking store in your area that carries a selection of cream cheese icing products. These stores often cater to professional bakers and serious enthusiasts, so you might find more extensive options than in a regular supermarket.
Gourmet Food Stores
Gourmet food stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s might carry cream cheese icing products, especially if they have a dedicated baking or dessert section. Keep in mind that these products might be more expensive than those found in regular supermarkets.
The Pros and Cons of Buying Cream Cheese Icing
Before you rush out to buy cream cheese icing, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of this option.
Pros:
- Convenience: Buying cream cheese icing saves you time and effort, as you don’t need to invest in ingredients or spend time making the frosting from scratch.
- Consistency: Store-bought cream cheese icing often has a consistent flavor and texture, which can be beneficial if you’re short on time or not confident in your frosting-making skills.
- Wide Availability: Online retailers ensure that you can access cream cheese icing from anywhere, even if it’s not available in local stores.
Cons:
- Preservatives and Additives: Some store-bought cream cheese icing products contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or other additives that might affect the taste and texture of your baked goods.
- Limited Customization: When you buy cream cheese icing, you’re limited to the flavor and consistency of the product. If you want to adjust the taste or texture, you’ll need to start from scratch.
- Cost: Store-bought cream cheese icing can be more expensive than making it from scratch, especially if you’re using high-quality ingredients.
Making Your Own Cream Cheese Icing: Is It Worth the Effort?
While buying cream cheese icing can be convenient, making your own from scratch offers several benefits.
Benefits of Making Your Own Cream Cheese Icing:
- Customization: When you make your own cream cheese icing, you can adjust the flavor, texture, and consistency to suit your taste preferences and baking needs.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own cream cheese icing can be more cost-effective than buying it, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk.
- Control Over Ingredients: By making your own cream cheese icing, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, or other additives.
A Simple Recipe to Get You Started:
If you’re new to making cream cheese icing, here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
Instructions:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
The Verdict: To Buy or to Make?
So, can you buy cream cheese icing? The answer is yes, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If convenience and consistency are your top priorities, buying cream cheese icing might be the best option for you. However, if you value customization, cost-effectiveness, and control over ingredients, making your own cream cheese icing from scratch is the way to go.
Remember, making cream cheese icing is a relatively simple process that requires minimal ingredients and effort. With a little practice, you can create a delicious, customized frosting that elevates your baked goods to the next level. So, the next time you’re faced with the cream cheese icing conundrum, consider taking the road less traveled and making your own from scratch. Your taste buds – and your baking skills – will thank you.
Is store-bought cream cheese icing any good?
While some people swear by homemade cream cheese icing, store-bought options can be a convenient alternative. However, the quality and taste can vary depending on the brand and ingredients used. Some store-bought cream cheese icings can be overly sweet, lacking the tangy flavor that makes homemade icing so special.
That being said, there are some decent store-bought options available. Look for brands that use high-quality ingredients and avoid added preservatives or artificial flavorings. If you’re short on time or not feeling confident in your icing-making skills, a good store-bought cream cheese icing can still result in a delicious and presentable dessert.
Can I use cream cheese frosting on all types of cakes and pastries?
Cream cheese icing is a versatile frosting that can be used on a variety of cakes and pastries. It pairs particularly well with carrot cake, red velvet cake, and pound cake. The tangy flavor of cream cheese also complements sweet and sticky treats like cinnamon rolls and sweet breads.
However, cream cheese icing might not be the best choice for all types of baked goods. For example, delicate flavors like angel food cake or sponge cake might be overpowered by the rich and tangy flavor of cream cheese. In these cases, a lighter frosting like whipped cream or powdered sugar might be a better option.
Is cream cheese icing suitable for outdoor events and weddings?
Cream cheese icing can be a bit temperamental in warm temperatures, making it less than ideal for outdoor events and weddings. The high fat content in cream cheese can cause the icing to soften and even melt in hot weather, leading to a messy and unappetizing presentation.
If you’re determined to use cream cheese icing for an outdoor event, consider taking steps to keep it cool and stable. This might include keeping the frosted desserts in a refrigerated area until serving or using a stabilizer like corn syrup to prevent the icing from melting.
Can I make cream cheese icing ahead of time?
One of the biggest advantages of cream cheese icing is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often meld together better after a day or two in the fridge. Simply prepare the icing according to your recipe, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When you’re ready to use the icing, simply remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This might take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the temperature and size of the icing. Give the icing a good stir before using it to frost your desserts.
How do I store leftover cream cheese icing?
Leftover cream cheese icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s also possible to freeze the icing for up to three months. Simply scoop the icing into an airtight container or freezer bag, press out as much air as possible, and store it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to use the frozen icing, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You might need to give the icing a good stir before using it, as it can separate during the freezing process.
Can I use low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese for icing?
While it’s technically possible to use low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese for icing, the results might not be as desirable. Low-fat cream cheese can result in an icing that’s too soft and unstable, while non-dairy cream cheese can lack the rich and tangy flavor that makes traditional cream cheese icing so special.
If you’re looking for a healthier or vegan alternative, consider experimenting with different non-dairy cream cheese brands and flavor combinations. You might need to add additional ingredients like lemon juice or vanilla extract to get the flavor just right.
Can I pipe cream cheese icing onto desserts?
Yes, cream cheese icing can be piped onto desserts using a piping bag and tip. In fact, piping the icing can add a decorative touch to your baked goods and make them look more professional. Simply prepare the icing according to your recipe, then transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip.
When piping the icing, be sure to use gentle pressure and move the piping bag in a steady, consistent motion. This will help you achieve a smooth and even design. If the icing is too soft or warm, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes to firm it up before attempting to pipe.