If you have a soft spot for luscious, fruity frosting that brings a burst of freshness to your baked treats, then the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This dreamy frosting combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of fresh strawberries, resulting in a spread that’s both irresistibly smooth and beautifully pink. It’s perfect for adding that extra wow-factor to cupcakes, cakes, or even as a decadent dip, and it’s easier to whip up than you might think. Let me show you how to create this fresh and flavorful frosting that tastes just like summertime in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and strawberry goodness. Every item plays a crucial role, not just in flavor but also in achieving the ideal texture and hue for your frosting.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds a rich, buttery base that makes the frosting silky and helps it hold structure.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings tanginess and a creamy smoothness that elevates the strawberry flavor.
- Fresh strawberries (½ cup, pureed and strained): Offers natural sweetness, vibrant color, and that unmistakable fresh fruity punch.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a fluffy, spreadable perfection.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic depth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the cream cheese and strawberry notes.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by placing your softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This usually takes about two minutes and forms the luscious base that gives the frosting its signature tang and texture.
Step 2: Add Strawberry Puree and Vanilla
Next, stir in your freshly pureed and strained strawberries along with the vanilla extract. It’s important to strain the puree to remove seeds and extra liquid, so the frosting maintains a perfect consistency without becoming watery.
Step 3: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Now, slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Beat the mixture well after each addition. This gradual process helps create a light, fluffy texture that is easy to spread or pipe over your desserts.
Step 4: Season with Salt and Adjust Consistency
Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness. If you find your frosting a little too soft to work with, pop it into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes—it firms up beautifully without sacrificing any of that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your frosted treats with fresh strawberry slices, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts can add a delightful crunch and contrast to the creamy texture of the frosting.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with a variety of baked goods like classic vanilla cupcakes, fluffy sponge cakes, or even moist carrot cake. It’s also delightful spread on warm cinnamon rolls or as a dip for sweet cookies and fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try piping the frosting into rosettes using a star tip, or dollop it generously on a layer cake and smooth it out for a rustic look. Layer the frosting between slices of angel food cake with fresh strawberries for a quick, no-bake dessert that looks stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra strawberry cream cheese frosting, no worries! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before using it again.
Freezing
This frosting freezes well. Place it in a sealed container, and it will keep in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then whip it again to restore its perfect spreadable consistency.
Reheating
Rather than reheating, it’s best to thaw the frosting slowly in the refrigerator. After thawing, allow it to come to room temperature, then beat it lightly to refresh the texture before spreading or piping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries thoroughly before pureeing to avoid adding too much liquid, which can make the frosting too runny.
Is this frosting suitable for cakes with delicate flavors?
Yes, the strawberry cream cheese frosting balances tanginess and sweetness, complementing light or subtly flavored cakes beautifully without overpowering them.
How do I make the frosting thicker if it’s too soft?
If the frosting feels too soft, chilling it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes will help it firm up. You can also add a little more powdered sugar, but do this gradually to avoid making it overly sweet.
Can I substitute the fresh strawberries with jam or preserves?
You could, but fresh pureed strawberries give the most vibrant flavor and color. If you use jam, choose one with low sugar content, and reduce the powdered sugar accordingly.
What is the best way to incorporate the strawberry puree into the frosting?
Make sure the puree is well strained to remove seeds and excess liquid. Add it after beating the butter and cream cheese, then mix it thoroughly before slowly adding the powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to taste. Whether you’re dressing up homemade cupcakes or adding a fruity flair to layered cakes, this frosting brings joy and freshness with every bite. I encourage you to try making it yourself and share the strawberry sweetness with your loved ones. Trust me, once you’ve experienced this luscious pink frosting, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire!
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Frosts 12–18 cupcakes or 1 two-layer cake
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, creamy topping perfect for cupcakes and cakes. Made with fresh strawberry puree, cream cheese, and buttery goodness, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tang with a beautiful pink hue. It requires no cooking, making it quick and simple to prepare while adding a fruity twist to your baked treats.
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed and strained
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Strawberry Puree and Vanilla: Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until fully combined and evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Season with Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and blend thoroughly.
- Chill If Needed: If the frosting is too soft to spread or pipe, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before using.
Notes
- Strain the strawberry puree well to remove excess liquid and seeds for a smoother frosting.
- To enhance color and flavor, reduce the strawberry puree in a saucepan before adding it to the frosting.
- Store any leftover frosting in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered tightly.
