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Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is a must during strawberry season! Using fresh strawberries, this recipe makes the dreamiest, creamiest buttercream frosting ever. From the right ingredients to insider tips and tricks, you’ll have everyone begging you for the recipe.
about this strawberry buttercream recipe
There’s something about fresh and fluffy strawberry buttercream frosting that makes me instantly think of spring and summer because of its intense strawberry flavor.
It has a sweet and tart flavor that is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. You can also use it to fill cupcakes, spread on sugar cookies, and more.
Here’s some of my top reasons that you should make this strawberry frosting:
- It’s easy to make. All you need are four ingredients!
- It’s delicious! The fresh intense strawberry flavor is simply irresistible.
- It’s incredibly versatile. You can use it on cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and more.
- It’s GORGEOUS. The light pink color is a show-stopping addition to any dessert.
If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make frosting, strawberry frosting is the perfect choice. It is sure to add a touch of sweetness and elegance to any dessert.
You’ll be licking the spoon, I promise you.
everyday seasonal: summer
With seasonal summer recipes, a comprehensive produce guide, and more, this is the cookbook to help you celebrate the season.
ingredients
butter. you will need unsalted butter for this recipe. I do not recommend using salted butter in this recipe as it will throw off the taste of the frosting.
powdered sugar. also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is the sweet component of the frosting. Any brand will do here!
strawberries. I recommend using fresh ripe strawberries, particularly when they are in season! You can also use frozen strawberries.
vanilla. always reach for the pure vanilla extract! My favorite is Nielsen Massey – their Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract is amazing.
this recipe’s must haves
You only need a couple of appliances to make this frosting come to life! First you’ll need a food processor or a high-speed blender like a Vitamix to blend the strawberries.
The only other appliance you’ll need is a stand mixer. You can also use a large mixing bowl and electric hand mixer if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t forget a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl!
here’s how to make strawberry frosting
puree strawberries
Place fresh strawberries (or thawed frozen strawberries) in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth, like strawberry jam.
make frosting
Add butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large bowl and handheld electric mixer). Slowly add in the confectioners sugar, beating until just combined. Add strawberry puree and vanilla, beating until the buttercream is light and fluffy. This will take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Use as desired or store in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
More tasty strawberry dessert recipes to explore: Strawberry Coulis | Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse | Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream | Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies
can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Be sure to thaw them completely before using them, and drain out any excess liquid.
Note that I do highly recommend using fresh strawberries, particularly when they are in season!
can I use fresh strawberries?
Of course you can! I recommend using fresh over frozen, especially when strawberries are in peak season (April through June, with June being the peak season for most areas).
can I use other berries for this buttercream frosting?
You can use other berries and make different flavors of frosting with them! You simply need a 1/2 cup total of berries whether that’s strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or a combination of your favorites!
how long will this frosting last?
The frosting will keep, tightly covered in an airtight container, for up to 1 week. You can also store it at room temperature for up to 3 days (this is particularly good to know if you are icing a cake and want to keep it at room temp until serving!).
how much frosting does this recipe make?
This recipe makes enough frosting to frost a dozen cupcakes, a 9-inch layer cake, or a 9×13-inch sheet cake.
Need more inspiration for something sweet? Check out my desserts recipes page!
what to serve with this strawberry buttercream recipe
This is the best strawberry buttercream frosting and it goes on so many different baked goods, from cupcakes to cakes to cookies and more! Use it how you would use your favorite buttercream frosting on your favorite desserts.
I love the simplicity of icing a cake with this frosting and decorating the top with strawberries. It goes well with every flavor of cake, even strawberry cake! Heck, you could even use boxed cake and just make the icing from scratch if you are short on time (or are simply just tired, as I am on most days after running around after our toddler).
I personally love this chocolate strawberry cake because it’s moist, fluffy, and easy to make!
Strawberry whipped cream is another way to highlight the berry and use in a similar fashion to this frosting.
how to store and reheat
Store. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. The frosting will keep for up to one week. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or milk.
Freeze. Store in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Thaw. To thaw after freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Just before using, beat the frosting in the bowl of a stand mixer (or with an electric handheld mixer) on medium speed until it’s creamy again (this will only take 5-10 seconds). If the frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or milk.
seasonal tip
Choose the best strawberries by knowing what to look for! Look for fresh green leaves and avoid leaves that look wilted. The berries should be plump and red. When the berries start to look dry or shriveled, they are getting old. Remember that size doesn’t matter! Don’t forget to check all around the package to ensure there are no signs of mold as well.
Finally, if you make this fresh strawberry buttercream frosting recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
everyday seasonal cookbook
With seasonal produce guides, recipes, and more, this cookbook is filled with seasonal food for every occasion.
strawberry buttercream frosting
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
- 4 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh, ripe strawberries washed, stemmed, and hulled
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
instructions
- Add strawberries to a food processor. Puree until smooth and set aside.
- Add butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat until creamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually confectioners sugar, beating until just combined.
- Add strawberry puree and vanilla. Beat until the buttercream is light and fluffy (approximately 3-5 minutes). Use as desired or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Patricia M Ellis says
I would love to make this strawberry buttercream frosting, but my daughter is allergic to eggs. Is there a substitution for the eggs that would not taste nasty?
Meghan Y. says
There are no eggs in the frosting recipe, so you should be just fine! If she is allergic to dairy and can’t eat butter, you can use vegan butter instead.