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Strawberry Cream Cheese Buttercream frosting on a cake with fresh strawberries

Strawberry Cream Cheese Buttercream

This creamy and tangy frosting is full of real strawberry flavor and is perfect for cupcakes or cakes, giving a bakery treat feel with homemade ease.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert, Frosting
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Frosting Base
  • 8 oz block cream cheese, softened Use full fat block cream cheese, not spreadable.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Be careful to not melt it.
  • 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy Add gradually to avoid creating a sugar cloud.
  • 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberry powder Start with less and adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
  • 1 pinch salt Balance the sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Grind the freeze dried strawberries until they are a fine powder.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter by itself for about a minute until smooth.
  3. Add the softened cream cheese and beat until combined and creamy, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Slowly add powdered sugar on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.
  5. Mix in the strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Adjust sweetness and flavor as desired.
Thickening (Optional)
  1. If the frosting is too soft, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes and then re-stir to firm up.
  2. You can also add more powdered sugar or freeze dried strawberry powder gradually to thicken.

Notes

Storage matters due to the cream cheese. Keep frosted treats in the fridge if left out for more than a couple of hours. This recipe can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.