Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

This fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting offers a delightful, fruity take on the classic cream cheese frosting. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the sweet, refreshing flavor of fresh strawberries. Whether you’re frosting a cake, cupcakes, or simply enjoying it by the spoonful, this frosting will elevate any dessert it touches. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and strawberries makes it incredibly indulgent yet light and fresh at the same time. Perfect for summer or anytime you want a sweet, fruity treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting is a dream come true for anyone who loves the rich and tangy flavor of cream cheese combined with the bright, natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and fruity, with just the right amount of sweetness. The texture is light and fluffy, and it pairs wonderfully with cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a dip for fruit. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until fluffy.

4. Stir in the pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

5. Continue beating until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.

6. Use the frosting immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute strawberry jam or preserves for the fresh puree. This adds a bit more sweetness and still gives a nice strawberry flavor.

• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting to bring in a hint of citrus that complements the strawberries beautifully.

• Dairy-Free Option: To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter in place of the unsalted butter.

• Additional Flavors: Experiment with adding other berries, like raspberries or blackberries, for a mixed berry cream cheese frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a quick re-whip to restore its fluffy texture.

• Freezing: You can freeze this frosting for up to 2 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using and re-whip it to restore its texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this frosting?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they provide a smoother puree and fresher taste, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing them.

2. Can I make this frosting without cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds a rich tang, you can use butter and powdered sugar alone for a lighter, sweeter frosting. The texture and flavor will differ, but it will still be delicious.

3. How can I make this frosting less sweet?

If you find the frosting too sweet, try reducing the powdered sugar by a cup or adding more cream cheese and butter to balance the sweetness.

4. Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before using it, and re-whip it to get the fluffy texture back.

5. Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer works perfectly for this frosting. Just be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

6. Can I use a different berry for the frosting?

Absolutely! You can use raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor. Just puree the berries and adjust the sugar if needed.

7. Is there a substitute for powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is essential for achieving the light, fluffy texture of the frosting. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until it’s finely ground.

8. How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?

To prevent the frosting from becoming too runny, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the strawberries before pureeing them. If the frosting is still too thin, you can add more powdered sugar until it thickens to your desired consistency.

9. Can I color this frosting with food coloring?

Yes, you can use food coloring if you’d like to intensify the color of the frosting. Just be cautious not to use too much, as it could affect the texture.

10. Can I use this frosting for layer cakes?

Definitely! This frosting works wonderfully for layer cakes. Just make sure to apply it in a thick, even layer to prevent it from sliding off the cake layers.

Conclusion

Fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting is a perfect, vibrant twist on the traditional cream cheese frosting. With its smooth, creamy texture and fresh, fruity flavor, it will transform any dessert into something special. Whether you’re frosting a cake, cupcakes, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, this frosting is a guaranteed hit. Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious—this is the frosting recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.

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