This Sinful Strawberry Buttercream is a rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful frosting made with real strawberries for a naturally sweet and tangy taste. It’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even macarons, delivering a silky texture and a vibrant strawberry flavor that makes every dessert irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Velvety – Ultra-creamy with a smooth, spreadable texture.
- Intense Strawberry Flavor – Made with real strawberries for a fresh and natural taste.
- Perfect for Piping & Decorating – Holds its shape beautifully on cakes and cupcakes.
- Versatile & Customizable – Works well with different cake flavors and can be adjusted for different consistencies.
- No Artificial Flavoring – Uses real fruit instead of artificial extracts for the best taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh or freeze-dried strawberries
- Heavy cream or milk
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice (optional, enhances the strawberry flavor)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Base
- For Fresh Strawberries: Puree fresh strawberries, then cook over medium heat until reduced by half. Let cool completely.
- For Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor.
Step 2: Make the Buttercream
- Beat the Butter – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Incorporate Strawberry Flavor – Add the cooled strawberry reduction or freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Adjust Consistency – Add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired texture is reached.
- Enhance the Flavor – Mix in vanilla extract and a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Step 3: Use & Store
- Frost Cakes & Cupcakes – Pipe or spread the frosting onto your favorite desserts.
- Chill if Needed – If too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before using.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Frosts 12 cupcakes or fills and frosts a 2-layer 8-inch cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 10 minutes (if needed)
Variations
- White Chocolate Strawberry Buttercream – Add melted white chocolate for extra richness.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting – Replace half the butter with cream cheese for a tangy twist.
- Vegan Version – Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk.
- Extra Smooth Version – Strain the strawberry puree before adding for a silkier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let it sit at room temperature before using.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and re-whip before using.
- Re-whipping Tip: If buttercream becomes too stiff, beat in a splash of milk to soften.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and reduce the puree to avoid excess liquid.
Why is my buttercream too soft?
If it’s too warm, chill it for 10-15 minutes before using.
Can I use strawberry jam instead?
Yes, but use a thick jam with minimal liquid to prevent runny frosting.
How do I make it extra pink?
A drop of pink gel food coloring enhances the natural color.
Can I use this for piping detailed designs?
Yes! Freeze-dried strawberry powder keeps the texture firm for piping.
Does this buttercream crust?
Yes, it forms a light crust, making it great for smoothing on cakes.
What’s the best cake flavor pairing?
It’s amazing with vanilla, chocolate, lemon, or even coconut cake.
Can I make this buttercream less sweet?
Reduce powdered sugar and add more strawberry puree or lemon juice.
How do I fix grainy buttercream?
Beat longer, add a little more heavy cream, and ensure strawberries are finely pureed.
Can I use this as a macaron filling?
Yes! Pipe it onto macarons and chill for the best consistency.
Conclusion
This Sinful Strawberry Buttercream is the ultimate frosting for strawberry lovers! Rich, creamy, and bursting with real fruit flavor, it’s the perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, and more. Try it today and take your desserts to the next level!
PrintSinful Strawberry Buttercream
This Sinful Strawberry Buttercream is rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or macarons, this buttercream is smooth, luscious, and slightly tangy, making it absolutely irresistible!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake 1x
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Whipping
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120g) fresh strawberry puree (see instructions below)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (if needed)
- A pinch of salt
- A few drops of pink food coloring (optional, for extra vibrancy)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Puree
- In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of fresh strawberries (chopped) over medium heat.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and release their juices.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Return the strained puree to the pan and simmer for 3-5 more minutes until thickened.
- Let cool completely before adding to the buttercream.
Step 2: Make the Buttercream
- In a large bowl, beat butter on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, until creamy and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the cooled strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- If needed, add heavy cream or milk (1 teaspoon at a time) to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- For a more vibrant pink color, mix in a few drops of pink food coloring.
- Beat for another 1-2 minutes until the buttercream is silky smooth.
Notes
🍰 Cakes & Cupcakes – Spread generously on vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry cake
🍪 Macarons & Cookies – Pipe onto macarons or sandwich between sugar cookies
🧁 Filling & Piping – Use for cake layers or decorative swirls on cupcakes