Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting offers a luscious blend of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries, perfect for adding a fresh twist to your cakes and cupcakes. Its light, fluffy texture makes it easy to pipe and decorate for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups confectioner’s powdered sugar
- 2½ cups freeze-dried strawberries, pulsated to a powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Gradually beat in the confectioner’s sugar, adding a little at a time to maintain a smooth texture.
- Step 4: Mix in the powdered freeze-dried strawberries, beating until well blended and evenly colored.
- Step 5: Chill the frosting for 30 minutes before piping or spreading onto your baked goods.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add an extra ½ cup of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to control the saltiness.
- If the frosting is too thick, mix in a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Storage
Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes and re-whip if necessary to restore its creamy texture. Do not freeze as it may affect consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain moisture, which may thin the frosting and affect its texture. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred for a concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid.
How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too sweet?
Balancing the sweetness by using salted butter helps. You can also reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a bit more cream cheese to cut the sweetness.
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Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost a 9×13 inch cake or about 24 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious blend of tangy cream cheese and sweetened butter infused with natural freeze-dried strawberry powder for a vibrant pink color and delightful fruity flavor. Perfect for enhancing cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, this frosting is smooth, creamy, and easy to whip up in just a few minutes, then chilled to achieve the ideal piping consistency.
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups confectioner’s powdered sugar
- 2½ cups freeze-dried strawberries, pulsed to a fine powder
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and salted butter together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which takes about 4 minutes.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and continue beating the mixture for about 1 minute to ensure it’s evenly incorporated, enhancing the overall flavor of the frosting.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the 6 cups of confectioner’s powdered sugar to the bowl, mixing continuously and adding a little at a time to prevent a powdery cloud and ensure a smooth texture.
- Mix in Strawberry Powder: Add the finely pulsed freeze-dried strawberry powder into the frosting and beat the mixture until the strawberry flavor and pink color are fully blended and uniform throughout.
- Chill Before Use: Cover the frosting and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help it firm up, making it easier to pipe or spread onto your desired baked goods.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth blending and a creamy texture.
- Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender until very fine to avoid a gritty texture in the frosting.
- If the frosting is too thick after chilling, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before piping.
- This frosting pairs exceptionally well with vanilla, chocolate, or lemon cakes.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry cream cheese frosting, cream cheese frosting, strawberry frosting, no-bake frosting, dessert frosting, cupcake frosting
