Silky Sweet Ina Garten’s Red Velvet Frosting Recipe For Bakers

Whipping up the perfect red velvet frosting takes skill, and Ina Garten’s red velvet frosting recipe stands as a decadent masterpiece.

Her approach brings luxurious smoothness to every creamy bite.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with rich butter, creating a velvety texture that melts on your tongue.

The subtle tanginess balances the sweetness, making this frosting a true culinary delight.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure a luscious, silky finish that complements the classic red velvet cake.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this recipe for its simplicity and incredible flavor profile.

Get ready to impress with a frosting that turns an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

The Right Tools for Ina Garten’s Fluffy Red Velvet Frosting

• Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Perfect for blending cream cheese, butter, and creating smooth frosting.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to hold ingredients for the mixer.
• Sifter: Essential for ensuring icing sugar is lump-free and light.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down sides of the bowl and ensure even mixing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for consistent frosting texture.
• Refrigerator: Optional for chilling frosting if needed.

Step-by-Step to Whip Ina Garten’s Red Velvet Frosting

• Creamy Cheese Base

Grab your electric mixer and pop in the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Whip these together until they’re just blended, keeping things light and airy without going overboard.

• Sweet Sugar Cloud

Slowly sprinkle in the powdery icing sugar, letting it dance into the mixture. Keep mixing until you’ve got a dreamy, silky frosting that’s smooth as silk.

• Temperature Magic

If your frosting feels a bit too soft and sloppy, give it a quick timeout in the fridge. A short 10-15 minute chill will help it firm up perfectly, making it ready to crown your cake with deliciousness.

Expert Tips to Elevate Red Velvet Frosting – Ina Style

• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth frosting.
• Add a splash of pure almond extract or a pinch of orange zest for an unexpected twist that complements the classic red velvet taste.
• Keep leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Gently re-whip before using to restore its original creamy consistency.
• Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with your favorite decorative tip for professional-looking cake and cupcake designs that will impress everyone at the party.
• Prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious result.

How to Serve Red Velvet Frosting Like a Pro

• Elevate with Fresh Berries: Scatter vibrant strawberries or raspberries around the cake's base for a pop of color and complementary tartness that balances the rich cream cheese frosting.
• Create Elegant Cake Layers: Spread the red velvet frosting generously between each cake layer, ensuring smooth, even coverage that provides a luxurious creamy texture in every bite.
• Garnish with Chocolate Shavings: Delicately sprinkle dark or white chocolate curls on top of the frosted cake to add a sophisticated visual appeal and an extra layer of decadent flavor.
• Present on Decorative Platter: Choose a white ceramic or marble serving plate to showcase the vivid red and white tones of the frosting, making the dessert a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Make It Ahead – Ina Garten’s Frosting Storage Guide

• Refrigerate and Refresh: Store unused frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays fresh and maintains its creamy texture.
• Freeze for Future Fun: Seal the frosting in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert preparations.
• Soften with Ease: Remove chilled frosting from the refrigerator 30 minutes before use, allowing it to reach a spreadable consistency at room temperature.
• Whip Back to Life: If the frosting seems stiff after refrigeration, gently remix with a spatula or electric mixer to restore its smooth, creamy appearance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 188 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Red Velvet Frosting

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy foundation for the frosting, ensuring smooth and luxurious texture..
• Unsalted Butter: Adds silky consistency and helps stabilize the frosting's structure..
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic depth..

• Powdered Sugar: Delivers perfect sweetness and helps create smooth, spreadable consistency..

• None.

Velvet Red Dreamlike Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s red velvet cupcake recipe delivers classic Southern charm with rich cream cheese frosting. Delicate cocoa-infused cake layers pair perfectly with tangy cream cheese for an irresistible dessert you’ll eagerly share with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 12 tbsps (1½ sticks or 170 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3½ cups (0.79 kg) confectioners’ sugar
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Creaming Base: In an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, and pure vanilla extract. Blend at medium speed until ingredients are harmoniously incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
2. Sugar Integration: Gradually sift powdered sugar into the mixture while running the mixer at low speed. Continue blending until the frosting develops a silky, uniform consistency with no visible sugar granules.
3. Texture Refinement: Check the frosting’s stability and spreadability. If the mixture seems too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to enhance structural integrity and improve piping or spreading characteristics.

Notes

• Chill for Perfect Consistency: Refrigerate the frosting for 10-15 minutes if it seems too soft, helping to create a stable, spreadable texture ideal for cake decorating.
• Avoid Overmixing: Blend ingredients just until incorporated to prevent a runny or dense frosting, maintaining a light and creamy consistency.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth blending and preventing lumpy texture.
• Sift Powdered Sugar Carefully: Gradually add sifted powdered sugar at low speed to prevent clumping and achieve a silky, lump-free frosting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 188
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg