This cream cheese frosting with Greek yogurt takes just four simple ingredients and five minutes to make. It is creamy and tangy and perfect for frosting your next cake or batch of cupcakes or muffins. I've been know to eat this straight from the bowl. The Greek yogurt adds a little extra creaminess and takes the place of butter. And you won't find any powdered sugar in this recipe! It's naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup.
Why We Love This Cream Cheese Frosting with Greek Yogurt
- No powdered sugar. Unlike traditional cream cheese frosting, this healthier version is sweetened with a little bit of pure maple syrup.
- Low added sugar. Each serving contains just 4 grams of added sugar (and it's the natural kind!).
- Lighter texture. The Greek yogurt makes this frosting a little lighter and a little tangier than traditional cream cheese frosting, which I love!
Some would say I have a problem with wanting to make everything from scratch. If you were in my kitchen, you would frequently hear Sean saying "you know you can buy that at the store." But frosting is definitely one of those things I refuse to buy from the store!
Regardless of the type of frosting, you just can't buy real frosting at the store. I've looked... it doesn't exist 🙂 And frosting might just be one of the easiest things you can make at home. And nothing compares to homemade!
This Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting is perfect for when you want that classic cream cheese frosting flavor, but also want a healthier recipe that is lower in sugar and isn't quite so sweet and heavy.
Jump to:
- Why We Love This Cream Cheese Frosting with Greek Yogurt
- Ingredient Notes
- How to Make Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
- Sara's Tips & Notes for Making Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
- Ways to Use This Frosting
- Recipe FAQs
- More Homemade FRostings, Toppings, and Sweeteners
- Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese - Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese and make sure it is at room temperature before mixing. This is key for getting a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.
- Greek yogurt - Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. I recommend full-fat or for the best texture and creaminess. Avoid non-fat, as it can make the frosting too thin.
- Vanilla extract - Use pure vanilla extract and not imitation vanilla. It makes a huge difference in the flavor.
- Maple syrup - Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup or maple-flavored syrup. Pure maple syrup is the real deal and will have the best flavor.
A complete list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card below. The above are some specific notes to help with selecting ingredients.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
- Step 1: Add the room temperature cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed until everything is fully combined and the frosting is smooth and creamy. This takes about 30 seconds!
The frosting will be on the thinner side after mixing it and will firm up after it's chilled. If it's too thin after mixing for frosting, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before frosting.
Sara's Tips & Notes for Making Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
- Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cream cheese will not beat smoothly and you will end up with lumps. Set it out at least 30 minutes.
- Discard access liquid from Greek yogurt. If your Greek yogurt has liquid on the top, pour the liquid out before scooping out the yogurt.
- Do not overbeat. Mix until smooth and creamy. Over-mixing can cause the frosting ot become too soft of even runny, especially becuase of the Greek yogurt.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking. Start with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and taste it. If you want it a little sweeter, add one more tablespoon.
Ways to Use This Frosting
I originally made this frosting to go on my almond flour pumpkin cake, but there are many ways to use this. Here are some more ideas to get you started!
- Cream cheese frosting is great with anything carrot cake related. Try on my carrot flaxseed muffins or carrot cake oatmeal cookies.
- Spread on top of you favorite banana cake.
- Use on your favorite pumpkin recipes, like gluten-free pumpkin scones or healthy almond flour pumpkin muffins.
- Use as a dip for fresh fruit or graham crackers.
- Use on a sheet cake for birthdays and celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
Greek yogurt is nice and thick, so works best in this recipe. If you use regular yogurt, the frosting will be on the thinner side and won't hold up as well.
Dairy-free swaps could change up the texture, but you could definitely try using dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free Greek yogurt.
Absolutely! Start small and add more to taste. I would start with ¼ cup and add additional powdered sugar to taste. If it ends up being too thick from the powdered sugar, you can add additional Greek yogurt.
More Homemade FRostings, Toppings, and Sweeteners
Coconut butter glaze
Coconut whipped cream
Homemade powdered coconut sugar
Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting
Save This Recipe For Later!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 hand mixer
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt (full-fat is best)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. pure vanila extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed until creamy. This should only take about 30 seconds. Don't overmix.
Notes
- If your Greek yogurt has liquid on the top, pour the liquid out before scooping out the yogurt.
- Any unused frosting should be stored in the fridge and will stay fresh for 4-5 days. Due to the Greek yogurt, I don't recommend freezing.Â
- Any frosted baked good should be stored in the fridge. Â
- Makes enough to frost one 8x8 or 9x9 cake or 12 cupcakes.Â
Nutrition
Sara says
I love the healthier take on this frosting recipe and that's it's naturally sweetened!