If you are dreaming of a frosting that perfectly balances tangy cream cheese with the sweet, bright flavor of strawberries, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, creamy frosting with a gorgeous pink hue and a fresh strawberry punch, ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies. It blends the richness of butter and cream cheese with the delicate, natural taste of freeze-dried strawberries, creating a frosting that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Once you try this, you’ll want to spread it on everything.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieve that perfect balance of creamy texture and fruity flavor. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s building the rich base or adding that irresistible strawberry zing.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, softened): The star ingredient, offering a smooth tang that makes the frosting luscious and rich.
- Salted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and body, helping create that fluffy texture everyone loves.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors, adding subtle depth and warmth.
- Confectioner’s powdered sugar (6 cups): Sweetens the frosting with a silky smooth finish that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, ground into powder (2½ cups): This is the magic ingredient that infuses the frosting with a vibrant pink color and an authentic sweet strawberry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This step is essential for a smooth, airy frosting that blends effortlessly without any lumps.
Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed for about 4 minutes. This will whip them into a light, fluffy base that’s creamy and ready to absorb all the strawberry goodness.
Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla and Sugar
Add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute to combine. Then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing slowly to avoid a powdered mess, until the frosting becomes silky smooth and sweetened just right.
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Powder
Gently fold in the ground freeze-dried strawberry powder with a spatula or use the mixer on low speed. This step colors the frosting a pretty pink and disperses the fresh strawberry flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Chill Before Piping
Cover the frosting bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the frosting so it holds beautiful shapes when piped onto your cupcakes or cakes.
Step 6: Pipe and Decorate
Once chilled, spoon the frosting into a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip. Now you’re ready to create stunning swirls and decorative patterns that will make your desserts look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberry slices or whole berries make excellent garnishes, enhancing the strawberry theme visually and adding a natural sweetness for contrast. You can also sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry bits on top for extra texture and burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This frosting pairs beautifully with classic vanilla or chocolate cakes, but don’t hesitate to get creative. Try it with carrot cake, lemon loaf, or even simple sugar cookies for a delightful strawberry surprise with every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider piping the frosting into rosettes or layering it between cake layers for a stunning pink effect. You can even use it as a dip for fresh fruit or spread it on warm cinnamon rolls to add a fruity-tangy twist that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week without losing its creamy texture or vibrant flavor, making it perfect for prepping ahead of events.
Freezing
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the frosting. Place it in a freezer-safe container with a tight lid and freeze for up to three months. Before use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the delicious texture and taste.
Reheating
Because this is a cream cheese-based frosting, avoid direct heat which can cause separation. Instead, bring it to room temperature gradually and give it a good stir or a quick beat with a mixer to restore its softness and creaminess before using.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Fresh strawberries contain moisture, which can make your frosting runny. Freeze-dried strawberry powder is preferred because it adds intense flavor and color without affecting the frosting’s consistency.
Is this frosting suitable for piping intricate designs?
Yes! Chilling the frosting before piping helps it firm up, making it easier to work with and perfect for creating detailed decorations and clean lines.
Can I make the frosting vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on cream cheese and butter for its signature texture. For a dairy-free alternative, try vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter, though you may need to adjust the consistency slightly.
How long does it take to prepare this frosting?
The active prep time is about 15 minutes, but including chilling time, the entire process takes around 45 minutes to ensure the frosting is just right for piping and decorating.
Can I use this frosting on other desserts besides cakes and cupcakes?
Absolutely! It’s fantastic on cookies, as a filling in sandwich cookies or donuts, or even spread thickly on toast or scones for a fruity, creamy treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe — it brings together freshness, sweetness, and a rich, creamy base in such an irresistible way. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a cozy afternoon baking session, this frosting will elevate your creations and bring smiles all around. Don’t wait to try it out and watch your baked goods turn into showstoppers!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is a luscious and fluffy frosting that combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the sweet, vibrant flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. Perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or any baked goods, this frosting is smooth, beautifully pink, and easy to pipe, providing a delightful visual and taste experience for your desserts.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Frosting Base
- 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
Flavoring
- 2½ cups freeze-dried strawberries, about 250 grams, ground into powder
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and ensure that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature. This step is crucial to achieving a smooth and creamy frosting texture that mixes easily.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the ingredients together for about 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
- Add Vanilla and Sugar: Add the vanilla extract to the fluffy cream cheese and butter mixture. Continue beating on medium speed for about one minute to combine. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing to avoid a mess and ensure an even, sweet frosting consistency.
- Incorporate Strawberry Powder: Slowly 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 throughout.
- Chill Before Piping: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the frosting for about 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the frosting firm up, making it easier to pipe and hold intricate shapes or designs.
- Piping and Decorating: Transfer the chilled frosting to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip and decorate cakes, cupcakes, or other treats with lovely swirls, rosettes, or other decorative patterns.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Grinding freeze-dried strawberries finely helps achieve a smooth texture and vibrant color.
- Chilling the frosting is essential for piping clean, firm designs.
- Store leftover frosting refrigerated and use within 3-4 days.
- This frosting pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry flavored cakes.
