Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Luscious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Ever

Sweet summer memories dance through my strawberry cream cheese frosting recipe, promising a delightful twist on classic dessert toppings.

Vibrant berries blend seamlessly with smooth cream cheese, creating a luscious spread that elevates any cake or cupcake.

Soft pink hues and rich flavors invite you to whip up something magical in your kitchen.

Homemade frosting always tastes more authentic than store-bought versions, capturing pure ingredient magic.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.

Playful and elegant, this frosting will impress anyone who takes a single bite.

Let’s transform your ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparks joy and deliciousness.

Frosting Instructions You’ll Want to Follow

Step 1: Puree Fresh Strawberries

Toss ripe strawberries into a blender and transform them into a silky smooth mixture. If the puree looks too runny, gently simmer it in a saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes until it slightly thickens. Let the puree cool completely before using.

Step 2: Cream Together Dairy Delights

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Room temperature butter

Whip these ingredients with an electric mixer until they become incredibly smooth and fluffy, creating a luxurious base for your frosting.

Step 3: Infuse Fruity Flavor

Splash in:
  • Cooled strawberry puree
  • Vanilla extract

Blend these into your creamy mixture until perfectly incorporated, creating a beautiful pink-tinged frosting.

Step 4: Sweeten the Deal

Gradually fold in sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add sugar cup by cup until you reach the perfect consistency. Sprinkle in a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.

Step 5: Perfect the Texture

Check the frosting’s consistency:
  • Too soft? Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes
  • Too thick? Add a teaspoon of milk or heavy cream

Adjust until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 6: Dress Up Your Desserts

Spread this luscious frosting onto cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Use a spatula or piping bag to create beautiful designs. Store any leftover frosting in the refrigerator for future sweet adventures.

Pro Tips for Smoother Strawberry Frosting

  • Reduce Strawberry Moisture: Drain the puree through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid, preventing watery frosting.
  • Soften Ingredients Perfectly: Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve smooth, lump-free blending without overbeating.
  • Control Sweetness Carefully: Taste the frosting after adding each cup of powdered sugar, adjusting to your preferred sweetness level and avoiding an overly sugary result.
  • Prevent Color Fading: Add a drop of red food coloring to enhance the strawberry's natural pink hue if the puree looks pale after cooking and cooling.
  • Stabilize Frosting Texture: Chill the mixed frosting for 10-15 minutes before piping or spreading to create a more stable and easier-to-handle consistency.

Keeping Your Frosting Fresh and Fluffy

  • Store frosting in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Transfer frosting to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using, then re-whip briefly to restore smooth texture.
  • Let refrigerated frosting sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Gently stir or use a hand mixer on low speed to restore original creamy consistency before spreading.
  • Before serving, inspect for any separation or discoloration. Discard if any signs of spoilage appear or if stored longer than recommended timeframes.

Frosting Matches for Cakes and Cupcakes

  • Combine the strawberry cream cheese frosting with a light, airy angel food cake to create a heavenly contrast between the rich, smooth frosting and the delicate cake.
  • Serve alongside fresh lemon bars or a zesty lemon pound cake to enhance the strawberry's natural sweetness and provide a bright, tangy counterpoint.
  • Enjoy with a cold glass of crisp rosé wine or a refreshing strawberry mojito to elevate the dessert experience and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Accompany the frosted treat with vanilla bean ice cream or a light champagne to create a luxurious and balanced flavor profile that highlights the frosting's creamy texture.

Swaps and Twists on Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and butter with vegan cream cheese and coconut oil for a plant-based alternative that maintains creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the frosting sweet and spreadable.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the powdered sugar brand to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chocolate Strawberry Fusion: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to create a decadent chocolate-strawberry variation that complements the fruity puree.

Strawberry Frosting Common Questions

  • How do I prevent lumps in my strawberry cream cheese frosting?

Make sure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. Sift powdered sugar to remove clumps and beat ingredients gradually on low speed to ensure smooth incorporation.

  • Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

Yes, thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain excess liquid before blending. Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen can work in a pinch.

  • Why is my frosting too runny?

Runny frosting usually happens when ingredients are too warm or not fully mixed. Chill the frosting for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator to help it firm up. If still too soft, add more powdered sugar gradually.

  • How can I intensify the strawberry flavor?

Add a small amount of strawberry extract or use reduced strawberry puree to concentrate the flavor. Reducing the puree by simmering helps create a more intense strawberry taste without adding extra liquid.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Gets the Spotlight

  • Transform ordinary desserts with a burst of fresh strawberry goodness, creating a homemade frosting that delivers authentic fruity taste without artificial additives or preservatives.
  • Elevate multiple sweet treats like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies with this adaptable frosting, giving you endless possibilities to enhance your favorite baked creations.
  • Easily adjust the frosting's consistency by chilling or adding milk, ensuring you achieve the perfect spreadable or pipeable texture for your specific dessert decoration needs.

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Fruit Base:
  • Strawberries: Fresh, ripe berries that create a natural fruity flavor and beautiful pink color. Look for bright red, fragrant strawberries without soft spots.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Provide rich, creamy base for the frosting. Best when softened at room temperature for smooth mixing. Use full-fat versions for best texture.
Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the frosting. Sifting prevents lumps and ensures smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla works best.
  • Salt: Small amount balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
Optional Texture Adjusters:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Can help adjust frosting consistency if too thick. Use sparingly.
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry cream cheese frosting brings delightful pink elegance to desserts with minimal effort. Professional bakers and home cooks will love this simple, luscious spread that perfectly complements cakes and cupcakes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar, sifted

Fruit Component:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) fresh strawberries, pureed (about 45 medium strawberries)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Transform fresh strawberries into a silky, concentrated puree by pulsing in a blender until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
  2. For optimal puree consistency, gently simmer the liquid in a small saucepan, reducing and thickening for approximately 57 minutes, then allow to cool completely to room temperature.
  3. Select a spacious mixing bowl and utilize an electric mixer to whip softened cream cheese and butter until achieving a luxuriously smooth and airy consistency, approximately 23 minutes.
  4. Introduce the cooled strawberry reduction and vanilla extract into the creamy base, blending thoroughly to ensure comprehensive integration of flavors.
  5. Methodically incorporate sifted powdered sugar, adding one cup incrementally while mixing at low speed to prevent potential lumps and achieve desired frosting density.
  6. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling a delicate pinch of salt, which will beautifully balance the frosting’s inherent sweetness.
  7. Assess the frosting’s texture, chilling in the refrigerator for 1520 minutes if too soft, or gently thinning with minimal milk or heavy cream if excessively dense.
  8. Apply the vibrant strawberry cream cheese frosting generously onto cakes, cupcakes, or cookies using spreading or piping techniques.
  9. Preserve any remaining frosting by storing securely in the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Create a silky-smooth puree by removing strawberry seeds through a fine-mesh strainer for an ultra-refined texture.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to prevent lumpy frosting and achieve a perfectly blended consistency.
  • Experiment with fresh or freeze-dried strawberry powder for intense flavor without adding extra liquid to the frosting.
  • Adjust sweetness by using less powdered sugar or substituting with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more natural profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 192
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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