Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for a frosting that’s full of real strawberry flavor, lighter on the sugar, and super creamy, this strawberry cream cheese frosting is a dream come true.
Using frozen strawberries and no expensive specialty ingredients, this recipe is convenient and lets you add the flavors of summer to your desserts all year round!
This strawberry frosting is a dreamy way to elevate just about any dessert! It’s the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even as a dip for fresh fruit. This recipe will be your new go-to.
Unlike store-bought frostings loaded with artificial flavors, this recipe is flavor packed with real strawberries. Plus, it’s lower in sugar, full of strawberry flavor, and so simple to make.
If you’re after a frosting that’s flavorful and beautiful, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into how to make this delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting in just a few simple steps.
Why you’ll love this strawberry cream cheese frosting
Here are three reasons you’ll absolutely love it:
Lower sugar, still delicious – This frosting is sweetened just enough to let the natural strawberry flavor shine. You’ll get all the indulgence of a classic cream cheese frosting without the sugar overload.
Real strawberry flavor – Forget artificial flavorings! This recipe uses real frozen strawberries for that fruity taste and color that makes every bite feel like a celebration of summer.
Creamy texture – It’s lusciously creamy and spreadable, making it perfect for decorating or piping onto your favorite treats.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this frosting will elevate your desserts while keeping things a little more wholesome!
Frosting ingredients and some notes
This strawberry cream cheese frosting is a dreamy blend of strawberries, cream cheese, and just the right amount of sweetness. Each ingredient has a specific role in creating the perfect frosting for topping your favorite desserts.
Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Strawberries: The star of the show! Strawberries provide natural flavor and great pink color. Concentrating them enhances their flavor and ensures that they don’t add too much liquid to the frosting.
- Cream cheese: This adds a tanginess that balances the sweetness of the frosting. Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture, but reduced-fat will work if you prefer.
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter helps create a smooth and fluffy consistency. It also mellows the tanginess of the cream cheese for a more balanced flavor.
- Powdered sugar: The key to sweetness and structure. Powdered sugar dissolves easily and gives the frosting its light, creamy texture. Adjust the amount for your desired level of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the strawberry and cream cheese notes.
- Salt: Just a pinch goes a long way in balancing the sweetness and amplifying the other flavors.
These simple ingredients come together to make a frosting that’s not only delicious but also easy to make!
How to make strawberry cream cheese frosting
Making strawberry cream cheese frosting at home is easy! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy frosting that’s perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or even cookies.
Follow these steps to create your own batch:
- Prep the strawberries. Start by thawing frozen strawberries in the microwave. Strain the thawed strawberries in a fine mesh strainer to remove excess juice. Transfer the strawberry pulp to a small bowl and mash it well with a fork. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the mashed strawberries. Gradually mix in the prepared mashed strawberries. Beat on medium until the puree is fully incorporated.
- Sweeten the frosting. With the mixer on low, whip the powdered sugar into the frosting. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Use or store the frosting. Your strawberry cream cheese frosting is now ready to use! Dollop it onto cupcakes, spoon onto a cake, or spread onto cookies. If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewhip right before using.
And there you have it—easy, homemade strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s irresistibly creamy and full of natural strawberry flavor!
Prep tips
Making strawberry cream cheese frosting is easier than you think, but a few key tricks can take your frosting from good to absolutely irresistible.
Here are my best tips to ensure your frosting turns out smooth, flavorful, and beautifully pink every time:
- Use softened cream cheese and butter. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This makes a smooth, lump-free frosting and helps the ingredients blend together seamlessly.
- Drain excess juice from strawberries. Too much liquid can make your frosting runny. Make sure to drain the thawed strawberries thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
- Chill the frosting if it feels too soft. If your frosting feels a little too loose after mixing, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to pipe or spread onto your cupcakes or cake.
- Sift your powdered sugar. To avoid clumps, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to your frosting. This step ensures a silky-smooth texture that’s easy to spread or pipe.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s worthy of any celebration!
Conclusion
This strawberry cream cheese frosting recipe is an easy way to add a touch of summer anytime of year to your favorite baked goods. With its creamy texture, vibrant pink hue, and strawberry flavor, it’s perfect on everything.
By using real strawberries and keeping the sugar levels lower, this frosting is truly a treat you’ll love.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate an everyday dessert, this frosting will impress.
Now it’s your turn—give this recipe a try, and let us know how you love it!
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
January 15, 2025Equipment
- fine mesh strainer
- Electric or stand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (275 g)
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp (227 g)
- 4 TBS unsalted butter, softened (57 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch of salt
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (60 g)
Instructions
- Place the frozen strawberries in a microwave safe bowl, cover the bowl with a microwave safe plate, and microwave for 5 minutes.2 cups frozen strawberries
- Pour the juicy thawed berries into a fine mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Use a rubber spatula to press out as much of the juice as possible. You should be left with about ½ a cup of strawberry pulp.
- Transfer the pulp to a small bowl and mash well with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt together on medium-high for 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.8 oz cream cheese, room temp, 4 TBS unsalted butter, softened, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt
- Beat in the strawberry pulp a tablespoon at a time until all of it has been well incorporated into the frosting.
- With the mixer on low, slowly beat in all of the powdered sugar. Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking.¼ cup powdered sugar
- Your strawberry cream cheese frosting is now ready to use! If you’re not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewhip right before using.