Chocolate Butter-Cheese Frosting: Beat 2 ounces melted unsweetened baking chocolate into finished frosting. Add milk or cream as necessary.
Orange Butter-Cheese Frosting: Substitute 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate for milk.
Banana Butter-Cheese Frosting: Substitute 1/2 teaspoon banana extract for 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
Maraschino Butter-Cheese Frosting: Substitute 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice for milk. Stir in 3 tablespoons minced maraschino cherries. Add red food coloring.
Citrus Butter-Cheese Frosting: Add 1 1/2 teaspoon grated orange, lime, grapefruit or lemon peel to finished frosting.
Panocha Butter-Cheese Frosting: Omit 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar. Heat 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar with butter and milk until sugar melts; cool. Beat in cream cheese and remaining ingredients.
Coconut Butter-Cheese Frosting: Toast 1 cup or 1 3.5-ounce can flaked coconut. Crumble half and stir into finished frosting. Garnish with remaining half.