Good quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor. Ensure cream cheese and butter are fresh and at room temperature for optimal mixing and the smoothest finish. For a quick variation: Substitute with plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter for a vegan option. Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and slightly less butter for a lighter version. Stir in a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced cream cheese frosting variation. Troubleshooting: If your frosting looks too thin, add more sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until your desired thickness is reached. If too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream, 0.5 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. For lumpy frosting, ensure all ingredients were at perfect room temperature and that the powdered sugar was thoroughly sifted before adding.