Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This luscious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting blends fresh or freeze-dried strawberries with full-fat cream cheese and butter to create a smooth, fluffy, and delightfully fruity frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more. The subtly tart flavor of strawberries complements the creamy richness, while the powdered sugar adds just the right sweetness, resulting in a frosting that is both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 cups of frosting, enough for 12-16 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake 1x
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Strawberry Purée or Powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (or 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground to powder)
Frosting Base
- 1 block (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prep the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, purée them in a blender until smooth, then simmer over medium-low heat in a small saucepan for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to reduce the mixture by half and thicken it. Let it cool completely. If using freeze-dried strawberries, grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or food processor.
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined with the cream cheese and butter mixture.
- Incorporate the Strawberries: Add the cooled puréed strawberries or the freeze-dried strawberry powder and mix on low speed until evenly incorporated throughout the frosting.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to prevent splatter. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Whip Until Fluffy: After all powdered sugar is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and holds its shape well. Adjust consistency if necessary by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a spoonful of strawberry purée to loosen.
- Chill if Needed: If the frosting is too soft for piping or spreading, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up, especially in warm or humid environments.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste the frosting and, if desired, add additional strawberry powder or purée for more fruit flavor, or a pinch more salt if it is too sweet.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Allow cream cheese and butter to soften completely before mixing to avoid lumps.
- If using fresh strawberries, ensure the purée is thick and fully cooled to prevent the frosting from becoming too thin.
- For piping cupcakes, use closer to 4 cups of powdered sugar; for spreading on cakes, 3 1/2 cups is sufficient.
- Store unused frosting in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and re-whip briefly before using again.
Keywords: strawberry cream cheese frosting, strawberry frosting, cream cheese frosting, strawberry buttercream, dessert frosting, cupcake frosting, cake frosting, homemade frosting