How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Updated: May 19, 2020
You only need six ingredients and 10 minutes to make this luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting.
The fresh, sweet flavor of strawberry cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with any number of cake flavors, from a simple 13×9 cake to a show-stopping layered birthday cake. The ingredients are inexpensive and easy to keep on hand any time you want to make a special, strawberry treat.
We love cream cheese frosting—it lends a little extra decadence to any cake. It’s sweet but less so than typical buttercreams. It has a subtle tang from the cream cheese that’s especially delicious when paired with fresh strawberries.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 ounces fresh strawberries (about 2 large or 4 medium), washed and hulled
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Editor’s Tip: Before starting the recipe, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened. Let them sit out at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. Here’s a trick to soften butter quickly.
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the first four ingredients
Beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract and salt on medium-high speed in a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer. Beat the ingredients for a few minutes, scraping the bowl once or twice until the mixture looks light in color and fluffy.
Step 2: Puree and add the strawberries
Puree the strawberries in a food processor or mini chopper until they’re liquefied and smooth. Add only two tablespoons of the puree to the butter-cream cheese mixture and blend it in well. Hold any remaining puree aside.
Editor’s Tip: No fresh strawberries on hand? Frozen strawberries will work, too. Allow the berries to completely thaw, drain off excess liquid and puree them as above.
Step 3: Slowly add the sugar
Add one cup of confectioners’ sugar to the bowl and blend it in on low speed. Scrape the bowl, add another cup of sugar and repeat. Continue until all of the sugar is mixed in. Increase the speed to medium to whip the frosting one last time.
If the frosting seems too stiff, blend in more strawberry puree, a little at a time. If the frosting is thin, add confectioners’ sugar a tablespoon at a time until it’s firm enough. Chilling the frosting will also help it firm up.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Now spread that made-from-scratch frosting on your favorite cake. The recipe makes about 3-1/2 cups of frosting, enough for a two-layer cake, a standard sheet cake or 24 cupcakes. You can even bake a batch of your favorite oatmeal cookies and sandwich this frosting between them!
Editor’s Tip: Cakes and other baked goods frosted with cream cheese frosting should be wrapped and refrigerated to prevent spoilage. Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Desserts for Strawberry Lovers
Chocolate-Dipped StrawberriesA bumper crop of berries turned into a real treat when I dipped them in chocolate! I like to make these chocolate covered strawberries before dinner and put them in the fridge, so they're ready when we're finished eating. My family can't get enough of these chocolate strawberries. —Valerie Gee, Depew, New York
Strawberry Jam CakeEvery year I make this special strawberry jam cake for the Relay for Life cake raffle. It has raised lots of money for a good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
Strawberry Pretzel Dessert JarsNeed to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead layered dessert, adorable in individual Mason jars, will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch Flint, Michigan
Strawberry Rhubarb Dump CakeIt always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado
Summer Strawberry Shortcake SoupWhen folks are longing for something sweet and refreshing, this soup is sure to hit the spot. To serve it with dinner or as an appetizer, simply omit the shortcake. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Air-Fryer Caribbean WontonsI first served these fresh and fruity air-fryer wontons as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy this fried wonton recipe for dessert at special occasions throughout the year. —Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina
Contest-Winning Strawberry Pretzel DessertI love the sweet-salty flavor of this pretty, layered dessert. Sliced strawberries and gelatin top a smooth cream cheese filling and crispy pretzel crust. I think it's best when eaten within a day of being made. —Wendy Weaver, Leetonia, Ohio
Best Strawberry ShortcakeFor a dazzling summer dessert, you can’t beat juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream over homemade shortcake. My father added even more indulgence to this recipe by buttering the shortcake. This is the best strawberry shortcake recipe. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan.
Strawberry Crumble PieI host an annual pie-making party before Labor Day. We have a pig roast on our farm, but the pies take center stage at the end of the meal. —Beth Howard, Donnellson, Iowa
Berry-Cream Cookie SnapsMy mom and I made up this recipe by combining two others. These cute cookies are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. You could also bake the cookies flat and serve the filling as a cookie dip if you'd like. —Crystal Briddick, Colfax, Illinois
Strawberry Cheesecake BitesThese treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill
and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
Strawberry Cupcakes with Whipped Cream FrostingFresh strawberries are full of water, so they have a tendency to weigh down cake batters and make soggy cakes. That’s why these strawberry cupcakes rely on strawberry jam or preserves. The concentrated flavor is just right for light and tender cupcakes. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Ice CreamWhen I got my ice cream maker, a friend shared her dreamy freezy cheesecake recipe. For guests, I scoop this into tart shells. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Lemon-Berry ShortcakeThis simple lemon shortcake is tender and not overly sweet. Enjoy this summertime classic with a generous layer of whipped topping and berries. —Meryl Herr, Overland Park, Kansas
Strawberry TartThis creamy strawberry tart boasts a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big dessert. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey
Nutella-Stuffed StrawberriesGourmet strawberries are pricey to order but easy to make. We serve strawberries with hazelnut spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream CakeWhile growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Chocolate Strawberry Punch Bowl TrifleI threw this dessert together when I needed something quick to take to my in-laws’. Because it’s beautiful, everyone thinks it requires a lot of effort. It’s easy. And the recipe makes a lot, making this perfect for potlucks and large gatherings. —Kristi Judkins, Morrison, Tennessee
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox CakeThis cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the cake. If it breaks while you're transferring it to the serving plate, just push the pieces back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
Chocolate Lover's Strawberry ShortcakesAs a mom of four, I appreciate shortcut recipes. This one uses refrigerated biscuits, giving me time for special touches, like adding homemade whipped cream and hot fudge. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Strawberries & Cream TorteThis festive strawberries and cream summer treat is one of my mom's favorites. It wows guests every time yet is simple to make. —Cathy Branciaroli, Wilmington, Delaware
Cheesecake-Stuffed StrawberriesThese luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Strawberry Shortcake PuffsWhen my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Cheesecake Strawberry TrifleThe only drawback to this lovely dessert is that there are never any leftovers. For a patriotic look, replace one of the layers of strawberry pie filling with blueberry—or use whatever filling you prefer. —Lori Thorp, Frazee, Minnesota
Strawberry Ice Cream CharlotteMy family loves ice cream cake, so they were delighted when I first presented this dessert. It's light, delicious and has a festive presentation. —Scarlett Elrod, Newman, Georgia
White Chocolate-Strawberry TiramisuHere's a twist on a classic dessert that highlights another flavor combo my husband and I love: strawberries and white chocolate. Lighten it up if you'd like—I've had good luck with light nondairy whipped topping and reduced-fat cream cheese. —Anna Ginsberg, Chicago, Illinois
Strawberry Cheesecake TrifleFor a dessert that looks as great as it tastes, this one can't be beat! Layers of rich pound cake, luscious cream and sweet strawberries make this treat very inviting. —Marnie Stoughton, Glenburnie, Ontario
Originally Published: May 19, 2020
