🍰 Aunt Mary’s Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and creamy topping used to enhance the flavors of various desserts, especially cakes and cupcakes. This rich and slightly tangy frosting is a favorite for many due to its sweet, smooth, and slightly tangy taste. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time!
📜 History:
Cream cheese frosting itself has a history dating back to the early 20th century, with cream cheese becoming more widely available. It gained immense popularity in the United States, becoming a staple for frosting red velvet cakes, carrot cakes, and other baked goods. While there isn’t a specific “Aunt Mary” associated with this frosting, it’s a beloved homemade recipe that has likely been passed down through generations.
🧁 Components:
- 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Start by ensuring your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth and lump-free frosting.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to blend them until they are fully incorporated and smooth.
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Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Continue to mix.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to mix. Ensure that each cup of powdered sugar is well incorporated before adding the next. This prevents lumps and ensures a creamy consistency.
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Once all the powdered sugar is added and the frosting is smooth, increase the mixer’s speed and beat the frosting for about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air into the mixture, making it light and fluffy.
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Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or vanilla flavor according to your preference.
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The cream cheese frosting is now ready to use. Spread it generously on your cake or cupcakes with a spatula or use a piping bag to create decorative patterns.
🕒 Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Aunt Mary’s Cream Cheese Frosting depends on your experience and kitchen equipment. On average, it takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. It may take a little longer if you’re doing it by hand, but it’s worth the effort for the delicious result.
Enjoy your homemade cream cheese frosting, and don’t forget to add a little extra love when you decorate your desserts with it! 🍰😊
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Mary’s Cream Cheese Frosting, based on typical ingredient quantities and serving sizes:
Nutrition Facts (Per 2-Tablespoon Serving):
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 1g
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Aunt Mary’s Cream Cheese Frosting is relatively high in calories, with 110 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. It’s essential to consume it in moderation, especially if you are watching your calorie intake.
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Fat Content: This frosting contains about 6g of total fat, primarily from cream cheese and butter. While fats are necessary for the body, excessive consumption of saturated fats (4g in this frosting) should be limited, as it can contribute to heart health issues.
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Cholesterol: With 20mg of cholesterol per serving, this frosting is moderately high in cholesterol. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, consider consuming it in smaller quantities.
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Sugar Content: The majority of the carbohydrate content in cream cheese frosting comes from sugars. A 2-tablespoon serving contains 12g of sugar, which is quite high. Excessive sugar intake can contribute to weight gain and other health concerns, so it’s advisable to consume this frosting in moderation.
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Sodium: Cream cheese frosting has a moderate amount of sodium, with 50mg per serving. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, be mindful of your overall sodium intake from all sources.
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Protein: While this frosting isn’t a significant source of protein, it does contain a small amount, about 1g per serving.
In summary, Aunt Mary’s Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious addition to desserts but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie, sugar, and fat content. It’s not a health food, and it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance. 😊🍰
