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Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Frosting

May 7, 2022(last updated December 17, 2022)

The Easiest Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
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This delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is made with freeze-dried strawberries and has a deliciously tangy and sweet flavor with a rich and creamy texture. It’s perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or just eating right off the spoon!

Strawberry cream cheese frosting in a white bowl.

If you’re looking to level up your fruity frosting, try adding cream cheese to the mix! This classic frosting ingredient gives the frosting a delicious tangy flavor and a rich and creamy texture.

As a trained pastry chef I have made my fair share of frostings. The secret to a smooth strawberry frosting is to use freeze-dried strawberries. Learn how to soften cream cheese quickly to save even more time!

These berries are incredibly concentrated and have a much higher strawberry flavor than fresh strawberries. Plus, they add beautiful pink color to the frosting without any artificial coloring!

Just like my raspberry cream cheese frosting, the cream cheese addition gives this recipe a great tangy flavor.

If you don’t have any cream cheese but still want a fruity frosting you can always try my strawberry buttercream, raspberry buttercream or this zesty lemon buttercream frosting!

I love using this frosting on a 6 inch chocolate cake or any homemade cupcakes.

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • The entire frosting recipe is made in just 20 minutes or less including prep time!
  • It uses freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh ones to get a smooth texture and natural pink color.
  • You can use this recipe to top just about any dessert you want including cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and more!
  • The flavor is sweet and fruity with a mix of tangy tartness.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for strawberry cream cheese frosting
  • Cream Cheese – This soft cheese thickens up the frosting and gives it a tangy delicious cream cheese flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter – This helps make the frosting nice and fluffy while adding a rich buttery flavor.
  • Confectioners Sugar – This is the main sweetener in the recipe that is finely milled and blends in with the frosting ingredients perfectly.
  • Freeze Dried Strawberries – You’ll pulverize these dried strawberries into a fine powder to use in the recipe. You can find freeze-dried strawberries at most grocery stores near the dried fruit or in the health food section.
  • Milk – This is used to thin out the frosting if it’s too thick. You can use any type of milk you have on hand including whole milk, almond milk, or soy milk.

HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

  1. Cream the butter and cream cheese: You’ll start out by mixing the main thickening agents. Add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer and mix on low-medium speed until creamy and fully combined.
  2. Prepare the strawberry powder: Add freeze-dried strawberries to a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until a fine powder is formed all the way through.
  3. Assemble the frosting: Scrape down the sides of the stand mixer, then add the sugar and strawberry powder. Start mixing on low speed, then bring up to medium speed and mix for 2-3 minutes until fully combined.
  4. Add the milk: To get the perfect texture, add the milk to the mixture and mix again for another 2-3 minutes until desired consistency is reached. Use right away or add to a piping bag for later. Enjoy!
Freeze dried strawberries in a blender.
Pulverize the freeze dried strawberries.
Creamed butter and cream cheese in a bowl.
Cream the butter and cream cheese.

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • Make sure all of your cold ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help them mix together more easily. Check out how to soften butter quickly!
  • When pulsing the strawberries, start with a few pulses then check the texture. If there are any big chunks remaining, pulse again until they are broken down.
  • If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, add an extra Tablespoon or two of freeze-dried strawberries to the recipe or use a drop of strawberry extract.
  • Sift the confectioner’s sugar before adding it to the bowl to avoid any lumps in your frosting.
  • Taste the frosting as you go and add more sweetness or strawberry powder until the desired flavor is reached.
  • Add milk a little bit at a time until desired consistency is reached. You may not need to use all of it.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Storing: If you’d like to store leftover buttercream or make it ahead of time, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing: To freeze, place frosting in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge then give it a good stir before using.

Strawberry cream cheese frosting on a spatula next to a bowl.

Yield

This recipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes or fill and frost a 2 layer 9″ cake.

FAQ

Do you have to refrigerate a cake that is frosted with cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you should always store cream cheese frosting in the fridge as it contains dairy products.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

No, I don’t recommend using frozen strawberries as they contain too much water and will make the frosting runny.

What can I use to substitute the freeze dried strawberries?

You can use 1/3 -1/2 cup of strawberry jam instead but the flavor and color will not be as intense.

What tastes better, cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting?

The answer is both! They both have delicious flavors that can enhance any dessert. However, if you’re looking for a richer flavor with more levels of flavor and texture then go with the cream cheese frosting.

WAYS TO ENJOY

  • Pipe on top of vanilla cupcakes
  • Tastes great when slathered on top of One Bowl Brownies.
  • Make strawberry cookie sandwiches by adding a thick layer of frosting in between Chocolate Brownie Cookies.
Strawberry cream cheese frosting in a white bowl.

The Easiest Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

This delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is made with freeze-dried strawberries and has a deliciously tangy and sweet flavor with a rich and creamy texture.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Dessert, Frosting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: cream cheese frosting with strawberries, easy strawberry frosting, strawberry buttercream with freeze dried strawberries, easy strawberry buttercream, strawberry icing, strawberry frosting, strawberry cupcake frosting
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 301kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese block at room temperature (227g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature (113g)
  • 1.2 oz freeze dried strawberries
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar (454g)
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer, add the 1 block cream cheese and the 1/2 cup unsalted butter and mix on low- medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fully creamed.
  • In a small blender or food processor pulse the 1.2 oz of freeze dried strawberries until they are pulverized. If you want to pipe this frosting, make sure to completely powder them otherwise it will block the tip.
  • Stop and scrape down the mixer. Add in the 4 cups of confectioners sugar and freeze dried strawberry powder. Mix on low speed working your way up to medium speed as the sugar mixes in. Mix for 2-3 mins more until fully mixed.
  • Turn the mixer to low and add in the 1 tbsp milk. Mix again on medium speed for 2-3 more minutes until fluffy. Add in another teaspoon of milk if you want it lighter.

Notes

This recipe will frost 12 cupcakes or fill and frost a 2 layer 9″ cake.
If you dont have freeze dried strawberries you can use 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup strawberry jam instead but the flavor and color wont be as intense.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
The Easiest Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Amount Per Serving (1 portion)
Calories 301 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 40mg13%
Sodium 62mg3%
Potassium 68mg2%
Carbohydrates 44g15%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 42g47%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 492IU10%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Frosting Tagged With: cream cheese, Strawberry

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

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Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

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Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

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#ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
Find the recipe below!

#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
Simply Nature Organic Raspberry Preserves
Method:
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sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
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lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
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•Let the fries rest for another 15 mins. 
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fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
•Dust the donut fries with powdered sugar and set aside.
•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
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