Oh, friends, are you ready for a spoonful of pure delight? I’m beyond excited to share my recipe for strawberry cream cheese frosting! I remember the first time I made this; it was for my niece’s birthday, and let me tell you, the smiles were as sweet as the frosting itself.
This strawberry cream cheese frosting isn’t just any frosting; it’s a dreamy blend of creamy, tangy, and fruity goodness that elevates any dessert. Seriously, it’s so good, you might just want to eat it straight from the bowl – I won’t judge!
Here at Pure Cooking Joy, our lead recipe developer, Clara Martel, pours her heart into creating recipes that bring happiness to your kitchen. We believe that cooking should be fun and accessible, and this strawberry cream cheese frosting recipe is a perfect example. It’s simple, straightforward, and delivers incredible results every time.
From our kitchen to yours, we hope this strawberry cream cheese frosting becomes a new favorite. Let’s get started, shall we?
- Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- How to Make Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Step-by-Step
- Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
- Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Storage & Reheating Instructions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Nutritional Info for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Rate this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe!
Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Alright, let’s gather everything you’ll need to whip up this dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. I always say having your ingredients prepped makes baking so much easier. Plus, using quality ingredients really shines through in the final taste. Here’s what you’ll need for the best strawberry frosting ever!
Core Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. I prefer using full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened. Make sure it’s nice and soft, but not melted!
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups. This gives the frosting its structure and sweetness.
- Strawberry Puree: ¼ cup (fresh or frozen strawberries). If using frozen, thaw them first, and drain any extra liquid.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors.
- Salt: A pinch. Just a tiny bit to balance the sweetness.
Optional Add-ins for Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Want to take your cream cheese frosting to the next level? Here are a few extras you might enjoy. These will add an extra layer of flavor and make your frosting even more special!
- Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note.
- Strawberry Extract: For an even more intense strawberry flavor.
- Pink Food Coloring: If you want a more vibrant pink hue. I prefer using natural food coloring!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Okay, so why should you make this strawberry cream cheese frosting? Well, besides the fact that it tastes absolutely amazing, it’s also super simple to whip up. Trust me; I think you’ll love how easy it is! Here’s a few reasons why this recipe is a winner:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes. Seriously, that’s it!
- Delicious Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s a flavor explosion!
- Versatile: Ideal for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. The possibilities are endless.
- Homemade Goodness: Impress your friends and family with this from-scratch frosting. They’ll think you’re a pro!
How to Make Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Step-by-Step
Let’s get down to business! I’m going to guide you through each step to make the perfect strawberry cream cheese frosting. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. I have total confidence in you! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl of luscious frosting in no time.
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Cream Cheese for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
First things first: make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened. I usually take them out of the fridge at least an hour before I start. This is super important! If they’re not soft enough, you’ll end up with lumpy frosting, and nobody wants that.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. I use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious. Just make sure there are no lumps! The mixture should be light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer.
Step 2: Adding the Powdered Sugar to Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Now comes the powdered sugar. This is where patience is key! Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. I know it’s tempting to dump it all in at once, but trust me, you’ll end up with a powdery mess.
Keep mixing until fully incorporated, and the frosting is smooth. If the mixture seems too dry, don’t panic! Add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. I usually need about 1-2 teaspoons, but it depends on the humidity.
Step 3: Incorporating the Strawberry Puree and Vanilla Extract for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Almost there! Now, gently stir in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the cream cheese frosting is smooth and evenly colored. If you’re using fresh strawberries, simply blend a handful in a food processor until smooth. For frozen strawberries, thaw them and drain any excess liquid before blending.
Taste and adjust as needed. If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, add a bit more puree. If it’s too tart, add a touch more powdered sugar. And there you have it – perfect strawberry cream cheese frosting! Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Want to make sure your strawberry cream cheese frosting is absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I’m happy to share. These tips will help you achieve frosting perfection! Let’s dive in!
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened for a smooth, lump-free frosting. I can’t stress this enough!
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your desired sweetness and consistency. Everyone has different preferences, so taste as you go!
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly and add more puree. Just be careful not to make it too runny!
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until the desired consistency is reached. A little goes a long way!
- If the frosting is too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Mix well after each addition.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Want to get a little adventurous with your cream cheese frosting? I love experimenting with different flavors and twists on classic recipes! These variations are super easy and can totally transform your dessert. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Mix and match to find your perfect combo!
- Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute raspberry puree for strawberry puree. It’s tart and delicious!
- Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds a bright, citrusy zing.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Who can resist chocolate and strawberries?
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Okay, you’ve made this amazing strawberry cream cheese frosting, now what? I have some yummy ideas for you! This frosting is so versatile. It goes with so many things!
- Use it to frost vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry cupcakes. So cute and tasty!
- Spread it on sugar cookies or graham crackers. A simple, sweet treat.
- Layer it between cake layers for a delicious strawberry cream cheese cake. A total showstopper!
- Swirl it into brownies for a touch of sweetness. Mmm, fudgy goodness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
So, you’ve got some leftover strawberry cream cheese frosting? Awesome! Here’s how to keep it fresh. And should you need to soften it up again, I’ve got you covered there, too. It’s really easy!
- Storage: Store your strawberry frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it. This will soften it. You can also give it a quick whip with a mixer to restore its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Got questions about making the perfect strawberry cream cheese frosting? I’ve got answers! I know sometimes recipes can raise a few questions, so I’ve compiled some of the most common ones here to help you out. Let’s get to it!
Can I use store-bought strawberry puree for my Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting?
Absolutely! While I personally love the taste of homemade strawberry puree, store-bought works just fine. Just make sure it’s a high-quality puree without any added sugars or preservatives. Sometimes, those extras can mess with the flavor and consistency. I always check the ingredients label before buying!
How do I prevent my Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting from being too runny?
Ah, the dreaded runny frosting! The key is to gradually add the powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Also, make sure to drain any excess liquid from your strawberry puree. If it still ends up too thin, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it thickens up. Patience is your friend here!
How long does Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting last?
Your delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any funky fridge odors. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften, or give it a quick whip with your mixer!
Nutritional Info for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Curious about what’s inside each delicious bite of strawberry cream cheese frosting? Here’s a quick peek at the estimated nutritional information per serving. Please remember, this is just an estimate, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy!
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 5g, Unsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0g)
- Carbohydrates: 22g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 20g)
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 30mg
Rate this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe!
Did you enjoy this strawberry cream cheese frosting recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a rating and review below. Your feedback helps other bakers and inspires me to create more delicious recipes!
PrintStrawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Erase Dessert Disasters in 10
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. It’s easy to make and tastes delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the frosting is smooth and evenly colored.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For best results, make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened before starting.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve your desired sweetness and consistency.
- You can use fresh or frozen strawberries to make the puree. If using frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg