Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Vanilla cupcakes with homemade strawberry frosting and a fresh berry on top.

4.67 from 3 votes

My easy strawberry cream cheese frosting uses fresh strawberries to create a sweet frosting with a pop of rich flavor. It's naturally pink and perfect for holidays and birthdays!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 372kcal

Author: Samantha Erb

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberry halves
8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 brick
½ cup salted butter, softened 1 stick
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Place the strawberries in a small blender or food processor and pulse until they are a smooth puree.
Measure out ⅓ cup of puree and save any extra for another use.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until they are light and fluffy.
Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract and mix to combine.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar.
Once all of the powdered sugar has been incorporated, turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat it until light and fluffy – about 2 minutes.

Notes

My recipe makes 3 cups of frosting, which is enough frosting for 12 cupcakes or a 9x13-inch sheet cake.
Choose really ripe fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
Use full-fat brick cream cheese, not the spreadable kind.
Let the cream cheese and butter come to room temperature before mixing without letting them get warm. It makes a huge difference in how smooth the frosting turns out.
Don’t overmix the frosting, or it can start to bind and turn out gummy.
Spread the strawberry frosting on cooled desserts only, or the frosting will melt right off.
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. It holds up really well for a few days.

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