Ingredients

Makes 1 1/2 quarts (enough for one 9-inch layer cake)

　　1 pound (16 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature

　　2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

　　1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature

　　2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted

　　

Step 1

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and vanilla until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the butter, beating until incorporated.

　　

Step 2

Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add the sugar, beating until incorporated. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group.Buy the full book from Amazon.