Strawberry Buttercream Icing

Introduction

Strawberry Buttercream Icing is a classic, bakery-style frosting that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Soft, fluffy, and beautifully pink, this icing adds both color and sweetness to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and dessert bars. It’s a favorite for birthdays, spring celebrations, baby showers, and anytime you want a frosting that looks as good as it tastes.

What makes strawberry buttercream so special is its balance. The butter provides richness and structure, while strawberries add natural sweetness and a bright, fruity note that keeps the frosting from being overly heavy. When made properly, this icing is smooth enough for spreading, sturdy enough for piping, and melts perfectly on the tongue.

Unlike artificial-tasting frostings, homemade Strawberry Buttercream Icing delivers real flavor and a fresh aroma. It pairs beautifully with vanilla cake, chocolate cake, strawberry desserts, lemon treats, and even sugar cookies. Whether you’re frosting a layer cake or piping decorative swirls, this buttercream offers professional results with simple ingredients.

If you’re looking for a dependable, crowd-pleasing frosting that adds both flavor and visual appeal, Strawberry Buttercream Icing is a must-have recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

¼ cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen strawberries, blended and strained)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Pinch of salt

Preparation
Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until light, pale, and fluffy. This step is essential for a smooth, airy frosting.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Strawberry Flavor

Pour in the strawberry purée and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and evenly colored.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

Add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Beat for an additional 2–3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.

Step 5: Final Taste and Texture

Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. Beat briefly, then the buttercream is ready to use for spreading or piping.

Variations

Strawberry Cream Cheese Buttercream: Replace half the butter with cream cheese.

Strawberry Jam Buttercream: Use reduced strawberry jam instead of purée.

Chocolate Strawberry Frosting: Add cocoa powder for a chocolate-strawberry twist.

Vegan Strawberry Buttercream: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk.

Extra Pink Frosting: Add a tiny drop of pink food coloring if desired.

Cooking Notes

Strain strawberry purée to remove seeds for smooth icing.

Use room-temperature butter for best texture.

Beat longer for lighter, fluffier frosting.

Reduce purée slightly on the stove if frosting becomes too soft.

Serving Suggestions

Use Strawberry Buttercream Icing to frost layer cakes, cupcakes, sheet cakes, sugar cookies, or sandwich cookies. It pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, lemon, strawberry, and almond-flavored desserts. Ideal for piping rosettes, borders, and decorative swirls.

Tips

Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps.

Chill frosting briefly if it becomes too soft for piping.

Store covered to prevent drying out.

Rewhip before using if frosting has been stored.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

0 minutes

Total Time

10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 180

Protein: 0g

Sodium: 45mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them before blending into a purée.

Why is my buttercream runny?
Too much liquid—add more powdered sugar or chill briefly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store refrigerated up to 3 days and rewhip before use.

Does it pipe well?
Yes, when properly chilled and whipped, it pipes beautifully.

Conclusion

Strawberry Buttercream Icing is a smooth, creamy frosting that brings fresh strawberry flavor and beautiful color to any dessert. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and decorative piping. With its light texture and real fruit taste, this buttercream is a reliable favorite that elevates every sweet treat it touches.

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