This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors. It’s the ultimate topping for cakes, cupcakes, or even sugar cookies, providing a fresh, vibrant burst of strawberry goodness that complements a wide range of desserts. The rich cream cheese base adds a smooth, slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a frosting that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Using fresh or frozen strawberries, this frosting offers a natural fruit flavor, making it a lighter alternative to artificially flavored frostings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just adding a touch of sweetness to your day, this strawberry cream cheese frosting is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed (about 4-5 medium strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the strawberries: If you’re using fresh strawberries, wash and hull them before pureeing. If using frozen, let them thaw first. Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. You can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds if desired, but this is optional.
- Cream the butter and cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps left in the mixture.
- Add the strawberry puree: Add the pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated, and the frosting is smooth. The strawberry puree will give the frosting its beautiful pink color and fresh flavor.
- Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition until the frosting is light and fluffy. You may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar depending on how thick you want the frosting. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust the consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tiny bit of milk (1 teaspoon at a time) to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, continue adding powdered sugar until it thickens to your liking.
- Frost your cake: Once the frosting is smooth and fluffy, it’s ready to spread on cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. This frosting pairs especially well with vanilla, chocolate, or lemon cakes, and it can be piped onto cupcakes for a beautiful finish.
- Chill before serving (optional): For the best texture, allow the frosted dessert to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. The frosting will firm up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
