Eesha's Best Frosting in the Whole Wide World

"Where have you been all my life, you fabulous frosting you?"

8 ounces cream cheese (must be the full-fat kind in a brick, not in a tub)

1 cup confectioners sugar

2 3/4 cups heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract  

Place the cream cheese and the confectioners sugar in a large bowl and beat on medium-high speed, using paddle or whisk attachment, until smooth.

Turn the mixer down to medium-low speed, use whisk attachment, and pour the heavy cream down the side of the bowl in a very slow and steady stream, stopping every now and then to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula.

When all the cream has been added, turn the mixer up to medium-high and whip until the frosting holds stiff peaks.

Fold in the vanilla extract, if using.

Notes: Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.  Keep refrigerated.  Makes enough to fill and frost a triple-layer 8-inch cake, a double-layer 9-inch cake, or 2 dozen cupcakes.

Can add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with the confectioners sugar, for a chocolate version.  Can add 1/4 cup finely-ground, freeze-dried fruit, for fruit version.

From Baking a Moment blog, via the Saksenas!