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Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, creamy topping perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or pastries. Made by simmering fresh strawberries into a rich, thick jam and blending it with cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar, it delivers a balanced sweetness with a fresh berry flavor. The frosting is smooth, spreadable, and has a beautiful pink hue, making it both delicious and visually appealing.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Enough frosting for 2 cups, suitable for 2 standard cupcakes or to fill and frost a small cake

Ingredients

Strawberry Jam

  • 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • A splash of water

Frosting

  • 8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Strawberry Jam: Combine the chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and a splash of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring every few minutes, letting the strawberries reduce to about 1/4 cup. This process takes 20-30 minutes and results in a thick jam-like consistency resembling preserves. Be sure to stir frequently and add water if needed to prevent burning.
  2. Cool the Strawberry Mixture: Once the strawberry jam is thick and reduced, scrape it out of the saucepan into a separate bowl and allow it to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
  3. Mix Butter and Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Add Strawberry and Vanilla: Incorporate the cooled strawberry jam and vanilla bean paste into the butter and cream cheese mixture. Continue beating until everything is thoroughly combined and the frosting takes on a uniform pink color.
  5. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually stream in the powdered sugar while mixing, beating until the frosting is creamy, smooth, and spreadable without lumps.
  6. Use or Store: Use immediately on cupcakes, in between cake layers, or place the frosting in a plastic storage bag and freeze for up to 3 months for future use.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smooth frosting without lumps.
  • Stir the strawberry mixture frequently to avoid burning during reduction.
  • If the frosting is too soft, chill it briefly before using to firm up.
  • This frosting can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months; thaw completely and re-whip before use.
  • Using vanilla bean paste enhances the flavor more than vanilla extract.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert Frosting
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian