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If you’re looking for a frosting that brings a burst of fresh, tangy sweetness with a creamy, dreamy texture, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the natural vibrant flavor of freeze-dried strawberries with the rich, smoothness of cream cheese and butter, this frosting is not only stunningly pink but ridiculously delicious. Perfect for frosting cupcakes, cakes, or even as a dip for fruit, it offers a balance of sweet and tart that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me walk you through how simple ingredients transform into this luscious frosting that feels both homemade and gourmet all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role in delivering that perfect texture, taste, and color that make this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe unforgettable.
- Freeze Dried Strawberries: These provide concentrated natural strawberry flavor and vivid pink color without extra moisture.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Adds creaminess and a slight tang that complements the strawberry beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Gives the frosting a rich, smooth mouthfeel and helps it hold shape.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Powder
Start by placing the freeze-dried strawberries in a quart-size Ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Use a rolling pin to crush them into a fine dust, although small chunks are okay as long as they won’t clog your piping tip later. This strawberry dust is what gives the frosting its signature fresh berry punch and gorgeous pink hue.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a stand or hand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat them together at medium speed. Make sure to scrape down the bowl sides occasionally so everything blends into the dreamiest, smoothest base.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar Gradually
Pour in the vanilla extract alongside one cup of powdered sugar. Mix on low to start so the sugar incorporates without flying everywhere, then increase to medium speed until smooth. Repeat this step with the remaining powdered sugar in two batches, beating well between additions. This gradual mixing helps achieve a fluffy texture without graininess.
Step 4: Fold in the Strawberry Powder
Finally, add the crushed strawberry powder to the mixture. Begin mixing on low speed so the dust disperses evenly, then shift to medium to fully blend it in. At this point, your frosting should be creamy, slightly pink, and bursting with natural strawberry flavor.
Step 5: Ready to Use
Now that your Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is complete, you can spread or pipe it on cupcakes, cakes, or your favorite treats. If you’re not using it immediately, pop it in the refrigerator. When ready, just bring back to room temperature for easier spreading or piping.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your frosting by topping it with fresh strawberry slices, edible flower petals, or a light dusting of freeze-dried strawberry powder. These simple touches add visual appeal and an extra layer of strawberry flavor that guests love.
Side Dishes
This frosting pairs amazingly with classic vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, lemon cake, or buttery shortbread cookies. It also works beautifully alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad, turning any dessert into a show-stopping treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling Pink and white frosting layers for a marbled effect, piping rosettes for a delicate look, or filling pastries like cream puffs or whoopie pies with this strawberry cream cheese goodness. The versatility of this frosting makes it perfect for both casual family gatherings and fancy celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, store any leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This helps maintain freshness and flavor, preventing it from drying out or picking up other fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover frosting by placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature and re-whipping to restore that fluffy texture.
Reheating
Unlike some frostings, strawberry cream cheese frosting doesn’t require heating. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes after refrigeration or thawing to soften naturally. Give it a quick stir or re-whip to bring back its perfect spreadable consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain more moisture, which can make the frosting too runny. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred for concentrated flavor and to keep the frosting thick and stable.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese and butter?
Yes, softening both ingredients ensures they blend smoothly without lumps and helps achieve the ideal creamy texture for this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely! You can start by adding less powdered sugar and adjust to taste as you mix, depending on how sweet or tart you prefer your frosting.
How long will this frosting hold up in warm weather?
Because it contains cream cheese and butter, it’s best served fresh or kept chilled until just before serving. In warm conditions, it may soften or melt, so refrigeration is key.
Can I use this frosting for cake filling as well as topping?
Definitely! Its smooth, spreadable texture makes it excellent for sandwiching cake layers or filling cupcakes, adding delicious strawberry flavor throughout.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and enjoying this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the lovely fresh strawberry flavor, it has quickly become a go-to for celebrations and everyday treats alike. I hope you give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that brings a little joy in every bite and makes any dessert feel like a special occasion.
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes frosted
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious and creamy topping made with freeze-dried strawberries, cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. It offers a delicate strawberry flavor with a smooth texture that is perfect for spreading or piping onto cupcakes, cakes, or other desserts. The natural strawberry powder adds an intense fruity taste without adding moisture that could compromise the frosting’s consistency.
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries (approximately)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Crush Strawberries: Add the freeze-dried strawberries to a quart-size Ziplock bag, remove all the air, and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to crush the strawberries into a fine powder with some small chunks, ensuring none are too big to clog your piping tip. Set aside.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Butter: Place the softened cream cheese and butter into a large mixing bowl.
- Cream Ingredients: Using a paddle attachment on a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed, scraping down the bowl sides as necessary until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar: Add vanilla extract and 1 cup of the powdered sugar to the bowl. Mix on low speed initially to incorporate the sugar, then increase to medium speed until fully combined. Repeat this process with the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate Strawberry Powder: Add the crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder to the frosting. Mix on low speed at first to begin incorporating, then increase to medium speed until the powder is fully blended.
- Use or Store: The frosting is now ready to be spread or piped onto your cupcakes or cakes.
- Storage: If not using immediately, store the frosting in the refrigerator. Before use, remove it from the fridge and allow it to soften to a spreadable consistency.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth frosting texture.
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor without adding moisture, maintaining frosting stability.
- You can adjust the amount of strawberry powder to taste for a stronger or milder strawberry flavor.
- If frosting is too stiff after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before using.
- This frosting works well for piping decorative designs or simple spreading on cakes and cupcakes.
