Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious and tangy topping that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Made with fresh or freeze-dried strawberries, this frosting has a vibrant pink hue and a delightful balance of creamy and fruity flavors. It’s easy to make and adds a beautiful, flavorful finish to your baked creations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Real strawberries make this frosting stand out with natural sweetness and a fruity kick.
• Creamy Texture: The cream cheese adds richness and tang, making it perfectly balanced.
• Versatile: Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a filling for macarons.
• Beautiful Color: Naturally pink, no artificial coloring needed!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Strawberries (fresh, freeze-dried, or strawberry jam)
• Vanilla extract

Optional: A pinch of salt to balance sweetness.

Directions

1. Prepare the Strawberries:
   • Fresh Strawberries: Puree fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor. Simmer the puree in a saucepan over medium heat until it reduces by half, then cool completely.
   • Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor to form a fine powder.
   • Strawberry Jam: Use directly, but ensure it’s a thick consistency.
2. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese:
   • In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Sugar:
   • Gradually sift in powdered sugar, beating on low speed to combine, then increasing to medium speed until fully incorporated.
4. Incorporate the Strawberries:
   • Add the cooled strawberry puree, powdered freeze-dried strawberries, or jam to the mixture. Beat until evenly distributed.
5. Add Vanilla Extract:
   • Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt if desired. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar (for a thicker frosting) or a small amount of heavy cream (for a thinner frosting).
6. Chill if Necessary:
   • If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before using.

Yield and Timing

• Yield: Frosts 12-16 cupcakes or a 9-inch layer cake
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: (if reducing strawberry puree) 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry-Lemon: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh, zesty twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate-strawberry blend.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and butter substitutes.
• Mixed Berry: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip to restore texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thaw and puree them, then reduce the puree as you would with fresh strawberries.

2. Why is my frosting too runny?

Overly wet strawberry puree can thin the frosting. Reduce the puree further or add more powdered sugar to thicken.

3. Can I use store-bought strawberry syrup?

Yes, but the flavor and sweetness might differ. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

4. How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or a bit more cream cheese to balance the sweetness.

5. Can I pipe this frosting?

Absolutely! Chill the frosting slightly for firmer consistency, then use a piping bag and tip of your choice.

6. Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Re-whip before using.

7. What’s the best way to reduce strawberry puree?

Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reduces by half. Cool completely before adding to the frosting.

8. Can I add food coloring for a brighter pink?

Yes, though the natural color from the strawberries is usually enough. If needed, use a drop of red food coloring.

9. What can I pair with this frosting?

It’s perfect on vanilla or chocolate cakes, strawberry cupcakes, sugar cookies, or even brownies.

10. How do I fix frosting that’s too thick?

Add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time and beat until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful, fruity topping that enhances any dessert with its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re frosting a cake or piping onto cupcakes, this recipe is sure to impress with its natural sweetness and beautiful color. Try it today and elevate your baked goods to the next level!

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