Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

What’s your go-to frosting? What are some of the best frostings you can buy at the store? What is Strawberry Cream Cheese frosting? Is this a strawberry smoothie? It’s light, tangy, perfectly sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. I swear, every time I make this, it’s like summer in a bowl. My grandmother used to make something similar, but hers always felt a bit too heavy. Is there a lighter version of this recipe? Is it better than any buttercream frosting I’ve tried? If you don’t like chocolate, it’s a great alternative. If you like ganache, but still want that wow factor?

What is strawberry cream cheese frosting?

Think of Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting as the sophisticated cousin of your regular cream cheese. What is essentially a creamy, dreamy concoction made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and, of course, vanilla. What is better than fresh strawberries? Why do fresh strawberries give it a pink hue? What are some of the best strawberry flavors that you can get from artificial extracts? What is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, rich and light? Is it incredibly easy to whip up? Can be used on cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or even eaten straight from the oven. What is the bowl?

Why you will love this recipe?

Okay, let’s get into why this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is about to become your new obsession!
• Flavor Explosion:The combination of tangy cream cheese, sweet butter, and fresh strawberries creates an explosion. Is there a flavor that’s absolutely irresistible Is it like a party in your mouth? What are some of the best flavor profiles for desserts?Ridiculously EasyWhat are some of the easiest frosting recipes? If you have all the ingredients in your pantry, you probably already have most of them. How do I make a cake?Budget-Friendly:What is the best way to use fresh strawberries in a recipe? How do I elevate my baking without spending a fortune on expensive ingredients? I always find great deals at my local farmer’s market.Totally Versatile This frosting isn’t just for cakes! I love using it on cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and even as a dip for fruit. The possibilities are endless! Imagine it on top of a lemon poppy seed cake – *chef’s kiss*!
What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily adjust the sweetness level to your liking, or add a touch of lemon zest for extra zing. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of strawberry liqueur for an extra boozy kick!

How do I make strawberry cream cheese frosting?

Quick Overview

Making this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a breeze. You’ll start by creaming together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Then, you’ll gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the pureed strawberries. A little vanilla extract and a pinch of salt round out the flavors. That’s all there is to it! No complicated steps, no fancy equipment needed. Just simple ingredients and easy techniques that yield the most delicious frosting you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients

For the Frosting: What is the
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (full-fat is a must for that creamy texture)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s *softened*, not melted)
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (start with 4 and add more as needed to reach desired consistency)
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (from about 1 pint of fresh strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla is always best)
• Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and hull your strawberries. Then, puree them in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds, but I usually don’t bother. Just make sure you’re starting with good, ripe strawberries. I have found that letting them sit in the fridge for about an hour before blending helps thicken them a bit.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), beat the Cream Cheese until smooth. Remove from the heat and set aside. How do you mix butter and milk until smooth and creamy? What is the best way to make sure there are no lumps in your skin? If your cream cheese is still cold, it will be hard to get it completely smooth. Be patient and keep mixing until it’s perfect. Can it take a few minutes to do something?

Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start with 4 cups and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency. I always do this on low speed at first, or you’ll end up with a cloud of powdered sugar all over your kitchen (trust me, I’ve learned from experience!). Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Add Strawberry Puree, Vanilla, and Salt

Add the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until well combined. Do not overmix the frosting at this point, or it will become too thin. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at .50, until it is smooth. What is the desired consistency? If it gets too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream.

Step 5: Frost and Enjoy!

How do I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting? Frost your favorite cake, cupcake, or cookie. What is the best way to enjoy a spoon straight from the bowl?

What should I serve it with?

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different desserts. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
For Cupcakes:Is it good on vanilla cupcakes? What is the best strawberry flavor? How do I pipe it on with a piping bag and tip? For a more rustic feel.For Cakes: Use it to frost layer cakes, sheet cakes, or even bundt cakes. It’s especially delicious on lemon cake, angel food cake, or white cake. I love adding a layer of sliced fresh strawberries between the cake layers for extra flavor and texture.
For Cookies: Spread it on sugar cookies, graham crackers, or even Chocolate Chip Cookies for a fun and festive treat. You can also use it as a filling for sandwich cookies.
For Brunch: Serve it with scones, muffins, or even waffles for a decadent brunch treat. It’s also delicious as a dip for fresh fruit. My family loves it with banana bread!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

How do I make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting?What are softened ingredients?Make sure your cream cheese and butter are properly softened before you start. How do I make a creamy frosting without lumps? I usually take them out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.Don’t Overmix:If you overmix the frosting, it will become too thin. Mix until just combined, and then stop.Adjust the Sweetness:If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Start with 4 cups and add more only if needed. What are some good ways to add lemon juice to a dish to balance the sweetness?How do I use fresh strawberries?Fresh strawberries are key to getting that authentic strawberry flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, but they won’t have the same fresh taste. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.How do I chill before serving? Chill the frosting for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help it firm up and make it easier to spread or pipe. If you are wanting a softer frosting, room temperature is best!
Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors in the frosting. Don’t skip it!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store your Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting to keep it fresh and delicious:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting for up to 2-3 months. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, re-whip it with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend frosting your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies just before serving. This will prevent the frosting from becoming soggy or losing its texture. If you need to frost them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator and take them out about 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to use it, re-whip it with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch, but they won’t have the same fresh taste as fresh strawberries. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing them.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Start with 4 cups and add more only if needed. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Can I add food coloring to make the frosting a brighter pink?

Yes, you can add a drop or two of pink food coloring to make the frosting a brighter pink. I prefer to use natural food coloring, such as beet juice, to avoid any artificial colors or flavors. But honestly, the natural color from the strawberries is usually perfect!

What can I use instead of vanilla extract?

If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, you can use almond extract or even a splash of strawberry liqueur for a more intense strawberry flavor.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for the most dreamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting! I promise, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought frosting again. It’s so easy to make, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, and perfect for any occasion. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other frosting recipes, like my classic Vanilla Buttercream and my decadent Chocolate Ganache. Happy baking! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your frosting turned out! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with!