Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Cozy Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something deeply comforting about the silky richness of cream cheese frosting, isn’t there? Now, imagine that classic flavor brightened up with the sweet, fresh fragrance of real strawberries—that’s exactly what this Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe delivers. It’s the kind of frosting that feels like a warm hug on a crisp morning or a sunny picnic blanket in spring. I love how the freeze-dried strawberries add a natural blush color and a little extra tang without watering down the texture. You’ll find it’s perfect for cupcakes, layer cakes, or even as a luscious dip for fruit bars. You don’t need to be a frosting pro to create this one—it blends up silky and fluffy, impressing guests without stress. Let’s dive into the magic behind why this frosting feels so special before you whisk up your first batch.

Ingredient Lowdown

• 1 cup softened cream cheese: The creamy base that brings tang and silkiness to your frosting. Make sure it’s fully softened to avoid lumps.
• 1/2 cup salted softened butter: Adds a toasty, buttery depth. Salted butter balances the sweetness perfectly—you can try unsalted but add a pinch of salt yourself.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: The sweet backbone that gives your frosting its fluffy structure and sweetness.
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed: This is the star for flavor and color. Freeze-dried fruit keeps the frosting thick without watering it down like fresh berries might.

Set Up for Success

Before you start mixing, there are a few prep tricks I never skip. Get your cream cheese and butter out early so they’re soft enough for an ultra-smooth blend. No lumps mean a flawless frosting texture. Also, lightly crush your freeze-dried strawberries into a powder using a mortar and pestle, or pulse briefly in a spice grinder—this keeps the strawberry flavor well-dispersed and vibrant. You’ll want everything at room temp, and since this frosting doesn’t require baking, it’s all about the careful assembly rather than oven timing. Having your tools ready means less scrambling mid-way and more joy in the process.

Step-by-Step: Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

1. Start by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed. You’ll notice the mixture turning soft and creamy, no lumps—this step is key for a velvety frosting.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar in batches. Mixing on low at first avoids a sugar cloud, and then you can speed up once most of it is incorporated. The frosting will thicken and fluff as you go.
3. Sprinkle in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Folding them gently in ensures the pink hue and strawberry flavor are well-blended without breaking the texture.
4. Whip the frosting on medium-high speed until fluffy and light. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. You’re looking for a bright, soft texture that holds peaks but isn’t stiff or dry.
5. Use immediately, or refrigerate until ready. Before spreading, give a short gentle whip to bring back the soft texture if chilled.

Flavor Twists for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

• Vanilla bean infusion: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract for a deeper fragrance.
• Lemon zest kick: Stir in a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest for a zesty brightness that complements the strawberry.
• Minty freshness: Fold in a few drops of peppermint extract for a cool and surprising twist.
• Tropical blend: Combine with freeze-dried mango powder for an exotic strawberry-mango swirl.
• Chocolate lover’s dream: Mix in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for strawberry-chocolate bliss.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate up to 5 days: Store frosting in an airtight container. Bring to room temp before using, then whip briefly to restore fluffiness.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: Carefully pack in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whip before spreading.
• Make ahead for smooth workflow: Prepare your frosting a day in advance to save time on busy baking days. Just remember to soften and whip it again before you ice your cakes.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs

• Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried? Fresh strawberries have too much moisture and will thin out your frosting. Freeze-dried berries keep the texture thick and stable.
• What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly? Cut it into chunks and let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. You can also microwave it in short 10-second bursts, but be careful not to melt it.
• Is this frosting good for piping decorations? Yes! It holds shape well but remains soft, perfect for swirls and rosettes on cupcakes.
• Can I adjust the sweetness? Definitely. Start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and gradually add more to your taste and texture preferences.
• How do I fix frosting that’s too runny? Chill it briefly in the fridge, then whip again. Adding a little extra powdered sugar can help too, but beware of over-sweetening.

Print