This strawberry cream cheese frosting is tangy, fluffy, and made with real strawberries for bold, natural flavor. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even spreading on toast. No artificial food coloring needed!Makes enough frosting for 12–18 cupcakes OR a 2-layer 8-inch cake generously. For a 3-layer 8-inch cake or heavy piping, double the recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, sofened at room temperature
- ½ cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder (blended freeze dried strawberries)
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp strawberry emulsion (optional)
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Beat butter until smooth and creamy (1–2 minutes).
- Add cream cheese and beat on medium-high until fully combined and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in vanilla, salt, and strawberry emulsion (if using).
- Add freeze-dried strawberry powder and half the powdered sugar. Beat until combined.
- Add remaining powdered sugar and beat on medium-high until light and fluffy. Add in the heavy cream.
- Taste and adjust: more sugar for sweetness, more strawberry powder for flavor, or a pinch more salt to balance it all. Enjoy!
Notes
Too Soft? Refrigerate It: If your frosting ends up too soft to pipe or spread, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. The butter and cream cheese will firm up and make it easier to work with.
Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries for Maximum Flavor: They blend into a powder and give the frosting bold flavor and natural color—without extra moisture.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes and re-whip before using.
Make Ahead: You can make this frosting a day or two in advance. Just chill, then re-whip before piping or spreading.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Amount per Serving
Calories
230
% Daily Value*
Fat
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
2
g
Cholesterol
24
mg
8
%
Sodium
194
mg
8
%
Potassium
123
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
36
g
12
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
34
g
38
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
265
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
60
mg
73
%
Calcium
71
mg
7
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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