Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy, making it a delightful addition to a variety of cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies. The rich, smooth texture of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries, creating a frosting that’s not too sweet but perfectly balanced. Whether you’re topping a homemade cake or using it as a dip for fresh fruit, this frosting is versatile and full of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make yet impressive frosting that will elevate any dessert you pair it with.
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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2-3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 4-5 fresh strawberries)
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Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Make the Strawberry Puree:
In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. You can strain the puree if you prefer a smoother frosting, but it’s optional. Set the puree aside. -
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. -
Add the Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Start with 2 cups of powdered sugar and add more to reach your desired sweetness and frosting consistency. -
Incorporate the Vanilla and Strawberry Puree:
Add the vanilla extract and the strawberry puree to the mixture. Beat on low speed until everything is well incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. -
Adjust Consistency:
If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more strawberry puree or a teaspoon of milk to reach the desired spreading consistency. If it’s too runny, add a little more powdered sugar. -
Chill (Optional):
For a firmer consistency, refrigerate the frosting for about 30 minutes before using. This helps it hold its shape better, especially if you’re piping it onto cupcakes or cakes. -
Frost Your Dessert:
Once the frosting has reached the right consistency, spread or pipe it onto your cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Enough for 12 cupcakes or a 9-inch cake
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling, if desired)
Variations
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Strawberry pieces: For added texture, you can fold in finely chopped fresh strawberries instead of using strawberry puree.
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Lemon twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to complement the strawberry flavor and give the frosting a fresh, citrusy note.
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Chocolate strawberry: Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the frosting to make it chocolate-strawberry flavored.
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Vegan version: Use vegan cream cheese and vegan butter for a dairy-free version of this frosting.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip for the best texture.
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Freezing: You can freeze this frosting for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator and re-whip before using.
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Reheating: There’s no need to reheat frosting. Just let it sit at room temperature before spreading or piping.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing them.
2. Can I use a different type of berry for this frosting?
Yes, you can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just puree the fruit and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
3. How can I make this frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Can I use this frosting for piping?
Yes, this frosting is great for piping. If you want it to be firmer, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before piping.
5. Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.
6. Is this frosting suitable for a layer cake?
Absolutely! This strawberry cream cheese frosting works wonderfully as a layer cake frosting. It’s creamy and flavorful, with the perfect consistency for spreading between layers.
7. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer will work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
8. Can I make this frosting dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make this frosting dairy-free. The flavor and texture will still be great!
9. Can I add food coloring to this frosting?
Yes, you can add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to give the frosting a deeper pink color, though it’s not necessary since the strawberry puree gives it a lovely natural color.
10. Can I add a little more vanilla extract for extra flavor?
Yes, you can add more vanilla if you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor to balance the strawberry. Just be sure not to overpower the strawberry taste.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, creamy, and fruity topping that enhances any dessert. Whether you’re frosting a cake, decorating cupcakes, or spreading it on cookies, this frosting will add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. With its smooth, velvety texture and the fresh taste of strawberries, it’s sure to be a favorite in your frosting rotation. This easy-to-make recipe is the perfect way to take your baked goods to the next level!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a creamy, sweet, and tangy frosting that adds a burst of strawberry flavor to any dessert. Made with fresh strawberry puree, cream cheese, and butter, this frosting is smooth, velvety, and perfectly balanced. It’s the ideal topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a dip for fresh fruit. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this easy-to-make frosting will elevate your desserts with its rich flavor and texture!
Ingredients
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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2-3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 4-5 fresh strawberries)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Make the Strawberry Puree: In a blender or food processor, puree fresh strawberries until smooth. Optionally, strain to remove seeds, then set the puree aside.
-
Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Start with 2 cups of powdered sugar and add more to achieve your preferred sweetness and consistency.
-
Incorporate the Vanilla and Strawberry Puree: Add vanilla extract and strawberry puree. Beat on low speed until fully combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.
-
Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add more strawberry puree or a teaspoon of milk. If too runny, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
-
Chill (Optional): Refrigerate the frosting for 30 minutes if you want it firmer, especially if piping onto cupcakes or cakes.
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Frost Your Dessert: Once the frosting is the desired consistency, spread or pipe it onto your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
Notes
For extra texture, fold in finely chopped fresh strawberries instead of using puree.Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrus twist that complements the strawberry flavor.Make this frosting chocolate-strawberry flavored by adding cocoa powder.
