Cream cheese frosting has a rich, sweet and slightly tangy flavor that everyone loves, especially when it's used with luscious favorites like carrot, pumpkin and red velvet cake or as a topping or filling for your favorite cupcakes. This whipped and airy frosting gets its richness from the sour cream and added flavors from real vanilla extract and almond extract. It has just the right touch of sweetness to complement your desserts, not overpower them. It's so easy to make that you'll never head to the store for ready-made again – no matter how pressed for time you may be.

Total Time: 25 minutes | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
  
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sour cream
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, place the cream cheese and butter. Allow the ingredients to sit at room temperature until slightly softened – about 10 to 15 minutes. 
   
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and cream cheese together on medium-high speed until combined – about 2 minutes.
3. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, almond extract and salt. Continue to beat the mixture until these ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, sift your confectioners' sugar until it's smooth with no lumps.
5. With the mixer on low, add about a third of the sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to add the sugar, a little at a time, until it is completely blended and smooth. 
6. Once all of the sugar is incorporated, continue to mix the frosting for another minute on high to give it a fluffy texture.
7. Pipe or smooth onto your favorite cakes or cupcakes.