There’s something magical about a fresh swirl of strawberry cream cheese frosting. It’s soft, it’s fruity, and it transforms even the simplest dessert into something memorable.

I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch at home — the bright strawberry aroma filled the kitchen, and a simple vanilla cupcake suddenly tasted like a summer celebration.

Whether you’re frosting a birthday cake, layering a dreamy strawberry cupcake, or just dipping a spoonful onto a cookie for a little joy, this frosting is pure happiness.

And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of real ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Details
Yield	About 2 cups
Serving Size	2 tablespoons
Prep Time	10 minutes
Make Time	5 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Calories per Serving	110 kcal
Primary Cooking Method	Mixing
Occasion	Birthdays, Weddings, Everyday Treats
Diet Type	Vegetarian
Cooling Time	Optional chilling: 10 minutes

Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: Desserts

Servings

servings

Prep Time

minutes

Cooking Time

minutes

Calories

110

kcal

Strawberry cream cheese frosting is a deliciously creamy, slightly tangy, and fruity topping made by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and real strawberries.

It’s softer and more luscious than classic buttercream, with a gorgeous pale pink color and a fresh berry flavor that feels like spring in every bite. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a filling for sandwich cookies.

Ingredients

8 oz (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup strawberry puree (or 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare Your Strawberries
Fresh strawberries bring the brightest flavor, while freeze-dried strawberries offer a super-concentrated taste without adding extra liquid.
If using fresh strawberries: Puree about 4–5 ripe berries in a blender. Then, simmer the puree on low heat for 5–7 minutes to reduce excess water. Let it cool completely before adding.
If using freeze-dried strawberries: Blitz 1/2 cup freeze-dried berries into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
Beat the Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
This step is important because if you skip it, your frosting can turn lumpy later on.
Add Butter for Extra Creaminess
Add the softened butter to the cream cheese and beat together for another 1–2 minutes.
You want the mixture to look fluffy, pale, and completely blended with no streaks.
Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time.
Beat after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stop adding sugar once the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and thickness.
Blend in the Strawberries
Now, add your cooled strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberry powder into the frosting. Beat just until combined.
Taste and adjust: Add a little more strawberry if you want a stronger flavor.
Whip Until Fluffy
Turn the mixer to medium-high and whip the frosting for another 1–2 minutes until light, fluffy, and beautifully pink.
This step adds air and creates that pillowy soft texture perfect for piping.
Chill for Best Piping (Optional)
If your kitchen is warm or you want super-sharp piping, chill the frosting for 10–15 minutes before using.
It firms up slightly and holds its shape better without becoming stiff.

Make-Ahead Tips

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes and re-whip briefly to refresh the texture.

Equipment You Will Need

Making a creamy, dreamy frosting doesn’t need fancy tools. Gather these essentials:

Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
Medium mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Fine mesh sieve (for sifting powdered sugar)
Small saucepan (only if making homemade strawberry puree)

Storage Instructions

For the freshest flavor and texture:

Refrigerator: Store frosted cakes and cupcakes in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze frosting in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then whip before using.

Note: Cream cheese frosting needs refrigeration, especially in warm weather.

Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Sometimes little tweaks make a big difference. Here are some expert tricks I swear by:

Use room-temperature ingredients to avoid lumps and achieve the creamiest texture.
Reduce fresh strawberry puree to remove water and avoid runny frosting.
Sift powdered sugar to create a silky-smooth finish.
Don’t overbeat after adding strawberries — it can make the frosting loose.
For brighter color, add 1–2 drops of natural pink food coloring if needed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Here’s how to customize your frosting if needed:

Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
Low-sugar version: Use a sugar-free powdered sweetener blend made for frosting.
No fresh strawberries: Use freeze-dried strawberry powder for a more concentrated flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go sideways. Avoid these common issues:

Using cold cream cheese: It won’t mix smoothly and leaves lumps.
Skipping strawberry reduction: Fresh strawberries are full of water; reducing prevents runny frosting.
Overloading strawberries: Too much puree can break the frosting.
Not tasting as you go: Strawberry sweetness can vary, so adjust sugar if needed.

FAQs About Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw them completely and drain extra liquid before pureeing and reducing.

Why is my frosting runny?
Most likely because the strawberries added too much moisture. Simmer the puree longer next time or add more powdered sugar to thicken.

Can I pipe this frosting onto cupcakes?
Absolutely! Chill it for 10–15 minutes if it feels soft, and use a large piping tip for best results.

How long can this frosting sit at room temperature?
Because of the cream cheese, frosted desserts should be left out no longer than 2 hours.

Serving Ideas for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting shines on so many treats! Here are my favorite ways to use it:

Frosting vanilla, lemon, or strawberry cupcakes
Layering inside a strawberry cake
Spreading onto sugar cookies
Filling whoopie pies or sandwich cookies
Swirling onto cinnamon rolls for a fruity twist
Dolloping onto pancakes or waffles for a special breakfast

Final Words

There’s nothing quite like homemade strawberry cream cheese frosting. It’s fresh, it’s fruity, it’s creamy — and it instantly makes anything you spread it on taste like something special. Whether you’re frosting a celebration cake or just whipping up a batch of cupcakes for a Tuesday afternoon, this frosting brings a little pink magic to your table.

Once you try it, you’ll never want to settle for store-bought again!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Creamy, Fruity Bliss for Every Bite

Recipe Snapshot