Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious and tangy topping that adds a fruity twist to your favorite cakes and cupcakes. Made with real cream cheese and freeze-dried strawberries, it’s fluffy, smooth, and bursting with natural strawberry flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese (about 450 grams)
• 1 cup of salted butter (about 227 grams)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 6 cups of confectioner’s powdered sugar (about 720 grams)
• 2½ cups of freeze-dried strawberries (about 250 grams)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soften the cream cheese and salted butter to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and continue beating for about one minute until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually incorporate the confectioner’s powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a messy kitchen and to achieve the right sweetness.
5. Step 5: Fold in the freeze-dried strawberry powder gently using a spatula or mix on low speed until evenly distributed and the frosting turns a beautiful pink color.
6. Step 6: Cover the frosting with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up before piping.
7. Step 7: Once chilled, use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods with lovely pink swirls.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are soft but not melted to ensure the frosting stays fluffy and smooth.
• Use freeze-dried strawberries for a concentrated strawberry flavor without added moisture; you can crush them into a fine powder with a food processor.
• For a sweeter and less tangy frosting, add a little more powdered sugar gradually to taste.
• Try adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to enhance the strawberry flavor and add brightness.

Storage

Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes and stir gently to soften if needed. You can also freeze the frosting for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip before using.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries contain more moisture, which can make the frosting runny. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor without extra liquid, so they’re preferred for this recipe.

How do I prevent my frosting from being too sweet?

Gradually add the powdered sugar and taste as you go. You can reduce the amount slightly if you prefer a less sweet frosting, but keep in mind it may affect the texture slightly.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 141 reviews

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, fluffy, and creamy frosting made with softened cream cheese, salted butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and vibrant freeze-dried strawberry powder. Perfect for piping onto cakes, cupcakes, and other baked treats, this frosting offers a beautiful pink hue and a fresh strawberry flavor that balances sweetness with a tangy creaminess.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Enough to frost 24 cupcakes or one 9-inch layer cake
• Category: Frosting
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Frosting Ingredients

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, about 450 grams, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup salted butter, about 227 grams, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups confectioner’s powdered sugar, about 720 grams
• 2½ cups freeze-dried strawberries, about 250 grams, ground into powder

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This preparation is crucial for smooth and easy mixing, resulting in a fluffy frosting texture.
2. Mixing Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
3. Incorporate Vanilla and Sugar: Add the vanilla extract to the fluffy cream cheese and butter mixture. Beat on medium speed for about one minute until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing to prevent a mess and achieve a perfectly sweetened frosting.
4. Add the Strawberry Powder: Gradually fold in the freeze-dried strawberry powder using a spatula or mix on low speed until the frosting turns a beautiful pink color and the strawberry flavor is evenly distributed.
5. Chill Before Piping: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the frosting for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the frosting making it easier to pipe and hold its shape.
6. Piping and Decorating: After chilling, transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip and decorate your cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods with beautiful swirls and designs.

Notes

• Ensure both cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Gradually add powdered sugar to avoid mess and control sweetness.
• Use freeze-dried strawberries ground into a fine powder to prevent moisture and achieve intense strawberry flavor.
• Refrigerate the frosting if not using immediately to maintain consistency.
• Let the frosted baked goods come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

Keywords: Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting, cream cheese frosting, strawberry frosting, cupcake frosting, cream cheese buttercream, freeze-dried strawberries