Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
Quick and easy honey frosting recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. This Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar) is a delightful cream cheese buttercream that’s perfect for spreading or piping on your favorite cakes and cupcakes. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it’s suitable for various occasions, from birthday celebrations to casual family desserts. The use of honey lends a natural sweetness that sets this frosting apart from traditional recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Powdered Sugar Needed – Enjoy a creamy, sweet frosting without the usual powdered sugar.
- Versatile Flavor – Customize your frosting with different extracts or spices to suit any dessert.
- Simple Ingredients – Made from common pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up.
- Easy to Make – The straightforward process means you can create this delicious frosting in just 10 minutes.
- Perfect for Piping – Whether you’re decorating cupcakes or layering cakes, this frosting holds its shape beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar), you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Piping bag with star tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl – A large bowl provides ample space for mixing all your ingredients thoroughly.
- Electric mixer – Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures a fluffy consistency.
- Spatula – A spatula helps you scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing.
- Piping bag with star tip – This tool allows you to create beautiful designs when decorating your treats.

Ingredients
For the Frosting
- 8 oz. Cream cheese (Full fat, Room temperature; Can also use honey cinnamon or honey cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup Butter (Unsalted, Room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Honey (I highly recommend using raw honey because it is thicker and sweeter)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Pumpkin spice extract (Can also use cinnamon spice extract)
- 1/8 tsp Sea salt
How to Make Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
Step 1: Cream the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Mix in Sweetness and Flavor
- Add honey, cornstarch, both extracts, and sea salt.
- Mix until the icing is fluffy and very creamy. The color will be off-white or pale beige.
Step 3: Chill the Frosting
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to make it firmer before using.
Step 4: Decorate Your Desserts
- Fill a piping bag with this buttercream and attach Wilton tip 1M (big star tip).
- Pipe swirls on cupcakes or use a spatula to spread icing on cakes as desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
This delicious Easy Honey Frosting is versatile and can enhance a variety of desserts. Here are some creative ways to serve it that will impress your family and friends.
On Cupcakes
- Use this frosting to top your favorite cupcakes. Its creamy texture and honey flavor pair beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, or spice cake.
As a Cake Filling
- Spread a generous layer of this honey buttercream between cake layers for added flavor and moisture. It works well with both light and rich cakes.
With Fruit
- Serve it as a dip alongside fresh fruit like strawberries, apples, or bananas. This makes for a delightful and healthy dessert option.
On Pancakes or Waffles
- Drizzle or spread this frosting on warm pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat. It adds a unique twist compared to traditional syrup.
In Parfaits
- Layer this frosting in a parfait with yogurt and granola for a delicious dessert or snack. It’s a great way to add sweetness without refined sugars.
On Cheesecake
- Spread it over plain cheesecake for an elevated dessert experience. The honey flavor complements the creamy richness of cheesecake perfectly.
How to Perfect Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
Achieving the best consistency and flavor for your Easy Honey Frosting is simple with these tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Opt for raw honey: Using raw honey enhances the flavor and thickness of the frosting, making it richer and more satisfying.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of honey slightly while maintaining the same consistency with cornstarch.
- Experiment with extracts: Feel free to mix different flavor extracts, such as almond or lemon, to create unique variations of this frosting.
- Chill before serving: Allow the frosting to chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before spreading or piping. This helps it firm up nicely.
- Use quality tools: A piping bag fitted with a star tip will give your creations a professional look when decorating cupcakes or cakes.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
Pair your Easy Honey Frosting with these delightful side dishes that complement its sweet flavor perfectly.
- Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the frosting. - Classic Vanilla Cake
Simple yet elegant, vanilla cake serves as an excellent base topped with the creamy honey buttercream. - Spiced Carrot Muffins
These moist muffins bring warmth from spices that harmonize beautifully with honey flavors in your frosting. - Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pair cookies with dollops of frosting on top for an indulgent treat that everyone will love. - Almond Biscotti
Crunchy biscotti provides a lovely contrast when dipped in or topped with honey frosting during coffee time. - Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
The tropical flavors of pineapple enhance the sweetness of honey, making this combination delightful at any occasion. - Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish offers comforting warmth; adding honey frosting can create an unexpected but pleasing sweet contrast. - Banana Bread Slices
Serve slices of moist banana bread topped with frosting for an easy yet flavorful pairing that’s perfect for brunch or dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar), it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the texture and taste.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese or butter can lead to lumpy frosting. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth texture.
- Overmixing: Mixing the frosting too much can cause it to become airy and lose its creamy consistency. Mix until just combined and fluffy.
- Neglecting Measurements: Incorrect measurements of honey or cornstarch can alter the sweetness and thickness. Use precise measuring tools for best results.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the frosting can make it too soft for piping. Allow at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator for it to firm up.
- Ignoring Flavor Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust flavors can lead to an unbalanced frosting. Experiment with extracts and spices to find your perfect blend.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
- You can freeze this frosting for up to three months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
- Oven: Preheat on low and warm the frosting gently, stirring frequently until softened.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, stirring in between until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stovetop: Place the frosting in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)?
Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar) is a creamy frosting made with cream cheese, butter, honey, and flavor extracts. It’s perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
Can I customize the flavor of my Easy Honey Frosting?
Yes! You can add different extracts like almond or lemon, or spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to personalize the flavor.
How long does Easy Honey Frosting last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months when frozen.
Is this frosting suitable for piping?
Absolutely! After chilling, this frosting holds its shape well when piped onto cakes or cupcakes.
Can I use different sweeteners instead of honey?
While honey gives this frosting its unique flavor, you could experiment with maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives; however, they may alter the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar) is a delightful blend of flavors that’s both versatile and simple to create. Whether you’re topping cupcakes or spreading it on a cake, this recipe allows for customization according to your taste preferences. Give it a try and elevate your dessert creations!
Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar)
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Easy Honey Frosting (Without Powdered Sugar), a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional frosting. Crafted with just a few simple ingredients, this honey buttercream is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, and even waffles. The natural sweetness of honey lends a unique flavor that elevates your desserts, making them suitable for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual family gatherings. In only 10 minutes, you can whip up this rich frosting that holds its shape beautifully for piping or spreading. Customize it with various extracts to create your signature flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Raw honey
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Pumpkin spice extract (or cinnamon)
- 1/8 tsp Sea salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and butter; beat until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Add honey, cornstarch, both extracts, and sea salt; mix until fluffy and creamy.
- Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm it up.
- Use a piping bag to decorate your desserts or spread it directly on cakes and cupcakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
