Last Updated 09-22-2024
Looking for a rich, creamy frosting for your cinnamon rolls that doesn’t have cream cheese? This simple recipe is the perfect solution! Made with just a few basic ingredients—softened butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and heavy cream—it delivers a smooth, fluffy texture that spreads beautifully over warm rolls.
Why You’ll Love this Cinnamon Roll Frosting
If you think cinnamon rolls aren’t complete without cream cheese frosting, think again! This Quick Cinnamon Roll Frosting (or icing, if you prefer) is rich, creamy, and the perfect accompaniment to homemade cinnamon rolls and other sweet breads.
I love a good cream cheese frosting, but I don’t always have cream cheese on hand. I do always have the ingredients for this recipe on hand though, which makes it the perfect solution any time I want to whip up a basic frosting in a hurry.
I like to make this frosting pretty thick, since I’ll be spreading it over warm cinnamon rolls. I like it to melt into the rolls a bit, but not disappear completely.
If you prefer more of a glaze (which works great for completely cooled cinnamon rolls) just add more cream, or use milk in place of the cream. It’s super easy to adjust this recipe to suit your tastes and preferences.
I do recommend using high-quality, real vanilla extract here, since it’s not going to “bake out.” The vanilla flavor is going to be the star of this frosting, so you want to use the best available.
This frosting isn’t just for cinnamon rolls, of course. I use this recipe often (with a bit more cream added) to glaze quick breads and bundt cakes. It’s really a perfect recipe for almost any occasion that calls for frosting. Which of course includes eating frosting straight from the mixing bowl with a spoon.
To avoid lumps, you do want to make sure your butter is soft. If you need to soften butter in a hurry, use your microwave’s defrost setting in 10 second increments. Keep a careful eye on it though, it can go from soft to melted in a matter of seconds.
If you aren’t a fan of cream cheese frosting, or don’t have any on hand, this Quick Cinnamon Roll Frosting (with no cream cheese) is just the recipe you need. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Frosting with No Cream Cheese
- Butter: Make sure to use real butter, not margarine or butter substitutes. The butter should be softened but not melted. I use unsalted butter, but salted butter works just as well. If you use unsalted butter, you can always add a pinch of salt to the frosting.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract is ideal in this recipe–really it’s a must!. It adds a warm, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the frosting. If you want to take it up a notch, you can use vanilla bean paste for an even more intense vanilla flavor–you might need to add just a bit more milk or cream to your frosting though.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this gives the frosting its structure and sweetness. To avoid lumps you may want to sift your powdered sugar into the mixing bowl. Don’t worry—three cups might sound like a lot, but it balances out the richness of the butter and cream perfectly.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a velvety richness and allows you to control the consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed. The more cream you add, the thinner and silkier your frosting will be. If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute with whole milk or even half-and-half.
Tips for Making Quick Cinnamon Roll Frosting
- Softened butter is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture in your frosting. Make sure to leave the butter out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. If you’re in a hurry, you can soften it in the microwave using the defrost setting, but be careful not to melt it!
- Don’t skimp on the vanilla! A good quality pure vanilla extract makes all the difference in this recipe. You can also use almond extract (or a combination of almond and vanilla) for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Don’t add all the powdered sugar in at once! This helps the frosting reach the right consistency without making a mess or overworking the butter.
- Start with 2 tablespoons of cream and add more as needed. If you want a thicker frosting that holds up well on the rolls, use less cream. For a smoother, more spreadable consistency, add a little more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just the way you like it.
How to make Quick Cinnamon Roll Frosting (No Cream Cheese)
Step 1
Soften the Butter: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds if you’re in a rush. The butter should be soft, but not melted.
Step 2
Beat the Butter and Vanilla: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the softened butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat on medium for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Step 3
Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the 3 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition. Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed to high and continue beating for a few minutes on high speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 4
Add Cream to Desired Consistency: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream (or milk) to the frosting and beat until combined. If you want a thinner consistency, add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired texture. For a thicker frosting, stick with less cream.
Step 5
Frost Your Cinnamon Rolls: Once your frosting is the perfect consistency, spread it generously over warm cinnamon rolls. The warmth of the rolls will help the frosting melt slightly, creating a delicious, gooey finish.
Recipe FAQs
FAQS
What if I don't have heavy cream?If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with whole milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The frosting may not be as rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?Yes, you can prepare this frosting up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and give it a good stir. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to the right consistency. You can also freeze this frosting for up to 3 months.
Will this frosting melt completeley if spread on warm cinnamon rolls?This frosting is designed to melt slightly on warm cinnamon rolls, creating a luscious, gooey glaze that soaks into the rolls. For a thicker frosting, let your rolls cool a bit before spreading. Just don’t use the frosting on cinnamon rolls straight from the oven–it will completely disappear!
Be sure to save this recipe for Quick Cinnamon Roll Frosting to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
More Sweet Recipes To Try
Quick Cinnamon Roll Frosting (No Cream Cheese)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 cup butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the 3 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Mix on high until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the2-4 tablespoons heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until frosting reaches desired consistency. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.
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Nutrition
Hello! I’m Danelle. Thanks for visiting.
Uptown foodie meets real life at Let’s Dish, where I share all my favorite recipes. Making meal time easy, but doing it in style!
Ginger Harris
Awesomely yummy thank you