Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Icing – Only 3 Ingredients!
There’s nothing better than warm, homemade cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven (or sourdough cinnamon rolls!)—but the frosting? That’s the real star! If you love a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy cinnamon roll icing, this simple 3-ingredient recipe will be your new go-to!
To make this delicious homemade icing, there’s no butter, no milk and no heavy whipping cream…like most recipes call for. You can achieve the most delicious cinnamon roll frosting with just three pantry staples! Cream cheese, maple syrup and powdered sugar!

Over the years, I’ve tested countless homemade frosting recipes, and this one is by far the easiest and most flavorful—no artificial flavors, just natural sweetness from maple syrup. So, if you’re looking for a foolproof cinnamon roll frosting without heavy cream or butter, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – Adds richness and a smooth texture
- Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor
💡 Pro Tip: Use high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor! Local is best! - Powdered Sugar| also called “confectioner’s sugar” – For the perfect consistency and sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Easiest Cinnamon Roll Frosting
- STEP 1: Soften the cream cheese – Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easy mixing
- STEP 2: Mix in the maple syrup – Stir until well combined
- STEP 3: Add powdered sugar – Gradually mix until smooth and creamy

How To Store Leftover Frosting
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- To reuse, let it come to room temperature and stir well
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup? Yes! It will be slightly thicker and sweeter
- Q: Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Just store it in the fridge and stir before using
- Q: Does this frosting harden? It stays soft and creamy but firms up slightly in the fridge

I absolutely love this recipe—it’s my go-to cinnamon roll frosting every single time! The best part? I always have these three simple ingredients on hand—cream cheese, maple syrup, and powdered sugar—so it’s one of those recipes I can whip up in minutes without any extra trips to the store. It’s not hard to make and you don’t need fancy ingredients! Just a rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet frosting that takes homemade cinnamon rolls to the next level.
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I’ve been baking homemade cinnamon rolls and even Eggless Cinnamon Rolls Recipe for years and have experimented with countless frosting recipes, but this one is hands-down my favorite! It’s rich and creamy without being overly sweet, and it pairs perfectly with the soft, cinnamon-spiced rolls!
Printable Recipe Card

3 Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbs maple syrup
- 1/2 c powdered sugar
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese – Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easy mixing
- Mix in the maple syrup – Stir until well combined
- Add powdered sugar – Gradually mix until smooth and creamy
To Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- To reuse, let it come to room temperature and stir well
Notes
Give this easy 3-ingredient cinnamon roll frosting a try and take your homemade cinnamon rolls to the next level! If you love a creamy, perfectly sweet topping, this recipe is a must-make. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
More Delicious Recipes
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts Baked In The Oven – easy baked cinnamon sugar donut recipe, made in the oven for a soft, fluffy texture with a perfectly sweet cinnamon-sugar coating—no frying required!

- Store-Bought Canned Biscuit Breakfast Casserole Recipe – quick and easy breakfast casserole recipe made with store-bought canned biscuits, eggs, cheese, and savory ingredients for a delicious, hearty morning meal the whole family will love!



Stephanie—home cook, DIY addict, seasonal decor fanatic, and proud chicken wrangler living in a Victorian house that’s always a project. Whether I’m cooking with garden-fresh ingredients, herding mischievous chickens, or tackling another DIY, I’m here to share the fun (and chaos).
Cinnamon rolls are our favorites. I am pinning your recipe for the frosting, because that is the best part and this looks delicious!