Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious and tangy topping that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Made with fresh or freeze-dried strawberries, this frosting has a vibrant pink hue and a delightful balance of creamy and fruity flavors. It’s easy to make and adds a beautiful, flavorful finish to your baked creations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Real strawberries make this frosting stand out with natural sweetness and a fruity kick.
- Creamy Texture: The cream cheese adds richness and tang, making it perfectly balanced.
- Versatile: Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a filling for macarons.
- Beautiful Color: Naturally pink, no artificial coloring needed!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Strawberries (fresh, freeze-dried, or strawberry jam)
- Vanilla extract
Optional: A pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Fresh Strawberries: Puree fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor. Simmer the puree in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half, then cool completely.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor to form a fine powder.
- Strawberry Jam: Use directly, but ensure it’s a thick consistency.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sugar:
- Gradually sift in powdered sugar, beating on low speed to combine, then increasing to medium speed until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate the Strawberries:
- Add the cooled strawberry puree, powdered freeze-dried strawberries, or jam to the mixture. Beat until evenly distributed.
- Add Vanilla Extract:
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar (for a thicker frosting) or a small amount of heavy cream (for a thinner frosting).
- Chill if Necessary:
- If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before using.
Yield and Timing
- Yield: Frosts 12-16 cupcakes or a 9-inch layer cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: (if reducing strawberry puree) 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Strawberry-Lemon: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh, zesty twist.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate-strawberry blend.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- Mixed Berry: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip to restore texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and puree them, then reduce the puree as you would with fresh strawberries.
2. Why is my frosting too runny?
Overly wet strawberry puree can thin the frosting. Reduce the puree further or add more powdered sugar to thicken.
3. Can I use store-bought strawberry syrup?
Yes, but the flavor and sweetness might differ. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
4. How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Add a pinch of salt or a bit more cream cheese to balance the sweetness.
5. Can I pipe this frosting?
Absolutely! Chill the frosting slightly for firmer consistency, then use a piping bag and tip of your choice.
6. Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Re-whip before using.
7. What’s the best way to reduce strawberry puree?
Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reduces by half. Cool completely before adding to the frosting.
8. Can I add food coloring for a brighter pink?
Yes, though the natural color from the strawberries is usually enough. If needed, use a drop of red food coloring.
9. What can I pair with this frosting?
It’s perfect on vanilla or chocolate cakes, strawberry cupcakes, sugar cookies, or even brownies.
10. How do I fix frosting that’s too thick?
Add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time and beat until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful, fruity topping that enhances any dessert with its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re frosting a cake or piping onto cupcakes, this recipe is sure to impress with its natural sweetness and beautiful color. Try it today and elevate your baked goods to the next level!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Frosts 12–18 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake 1x
- Category: Frosting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This strawberry cream cheese frosting is rich, creamy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, it’s an elegant and delicious way to elevate your desserts.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 4-5 medium strawberries)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
- Blend the fresh strawberries into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. If the puree seems watery, simmer it in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened, then let cool completely.
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the Strawberry Puree:
- Gradually mix in the cooled strawberry puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Adjust Consistency (if needed):
- If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until it reaches your preferred texture.
- Frost Your Desserts:
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a teaspoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Frosted desserts should be stored in the refrigerator but can be served at room temperature.