• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (about 1 pound) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

1. With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter together on high. Reduce speed and beat in sugar until fluffy; beat in vanilla.
2. Per serving (1/24 of recipe): 143 calories; 7g fat; 4.5g saturated fat; 20mg cholesterol; 1g protein; 19g carbohydrate; 18.5g sugar; no fiber; 29mg sodium; 9mg calcium; 13mg potassium.
3. Yield: Frosting for 12 to 24 cupcakes

Adapted from "The Greystone Bakery Cookbook," by Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan (Rodale, $26).