Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a frosting that’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, then this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become your new favorite. Imagine taking a bite of soft, moist cake or cupcakes, and then the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting hits your taste buds with the perfect balance of sweetness and strawberry goodness. It’s like biting into summer itself!

This frosting is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with everything from classic vanilla cakes to chocolate cupcakes or even fresh fruit-filled desserts. The best part? You can make it in just a few simple steps, and the result is absolutely stunning! Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to go back to regular frosting ever again.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Tartness: The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
• Fluffy and Creamy: This frosting has a light, airy texture that makes it ideal for spreading on cakes or piping onto cupcakes. It’s silky smooth and oh-so-creamy.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Using fresh strawberries or strawberry puree gives this frosting an authentic, fruity taste that can’t be beat.
• Versatile: Use it on cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or even as a filling for pastries. It also works as a dip for fresh fruit!
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can make a frosting that tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting:

For the Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is the key to getting that creamy, tangy base. Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: This is the sweetener that helps thicken the frosting and gives it that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Fresh Strawberries: Pureed or finely chopped strawberries for that fresh, fruity flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor and adds depth.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a little salt to balance out the sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious frosting!

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing your fresh strawberries, then remove the stems and roughly chop them. If you want a smoother frosting, you can puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor. If you like a little texture, simply chop them finely. Set them aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This will form the base of your frosting.

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, one cup at a time. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated, then increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until it’s light and fluffy. This will give your frosting that perfect texture.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries and Vanilla

Add the strawberry puree (or finely chopped strawberries) and vanilla extract to the frosting mixture. Continue to beat until everything is fully combined. If the frosting becomes too runny from the strawberries, you can add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give your frosting a taste and feel free to adjust the sweetness or the strawberry flavor by adding more powdered sugar or strawberries. If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a tiny bit of strawberry extract as well.

Step 6: Frost Your Cake or Cupcakes

Once your frosting is ready, spread it generously on your cake or cupcakes. You can also pipe it into beautiful swirls or rosettes for a professional look. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories per serving: 120-150 calories
• Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Vitamin C: 5%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 0%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• On Cakes: This frosting is perfect for topping vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry cakes. It’s a great way to bring a fresh, fruity twist to any cake.
• On Cupcakes: Pipe it onto cupcakes for a beautiful, light, and creamy topping that’s perfect for any occasion.
• With Brownies: Spread it generously on chocolate or vanilla brownies to make them extra indulgent.
• As a Dip: Serve it as a dip for fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or even graham crackers.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can make this frosting a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and allow it to come to room temperature before using.
• Adjust Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
• Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and drain off excess moisture before pureeing or chopping.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for this frosting?

A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the strawberries and drain off any excess liquid before using them.

Q2: How can I make this frosting thicker?

A2: If your frosting is too thin, simply add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you get the desired consistency.

Q3: Can I make this frosting without cream cheese?

A3: If you want to skip the cream cheese, you can use whipped butter and powdered sugar for a smoother, sweeter frosting, but it won’t have that signature tangy flavor.

Q4: Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?

A4: Yes, you can substitute strawberry jam or preserves for fresh strawberries. Just reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly, since jam already has sugar in it.

Q5: How long will this frosting last?

A5: The frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before using it.

Q6: Can I make this frosting dairy-free?

A6: To make this dairy-free, you can use non-dairy cream cheese and a dairy-free butter substitute. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q7: How do I make sure the frosting is smooth?

A7: Be sure to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth before adding powdered sugar. Also, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to prevent any lumps.

Q8: Can I pipe this frosting?

A8: Yes! This frosting is great for piping onto cupcakes or cakes. Just make sure the frosting is at room temperature before piping for the best results.

Q9: Can I add food coloring to this frosting?

A9: Absolutely! If you want a more vibrant pink color, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring. Just mix well.

Q10: Can I freeze this frosting?

A10: Yes, you can freeze this frosting! Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before using.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. It’s super easy to make, full of fresh strawberry goodness, and perfect for all your baking needs. Whether you’re topping cupcakes, cakes, or just enjoying it with a spoon, this frosting is sure to impress. Try it once, and you’ll never look at frosting the same way again!

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