Get ready to meet your new go-to recipe for all things sweet and celebratory: Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes. This frosting is a dreamy blend of fluffy butter, real strawberries, and just the right touch of vanilla, resulting in a gorgeously pink, naturally flavored topping that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It pipes smoothly, tastes incredible, and delights both kids and adults with every swoop—a true showstopper for birthdays, bake sales, or a spontaneous weeknight treat. You’re about to fall in love!

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet high-impact ingredients are the key to making Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes truly shine. Each one plays an essential role, from building a rich, creamy texture to delivering that fresh strawberry taste and rosy hue!

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): The creamy backbone of your frosting—you want it soft enough to whip but not melted for best results.
Powdered Sugar (2 ½ cups): Helps to sweeten and thicken while achieving that signature silky texture.
Strawberry Purée (¼ cup, strained): Fresh or frozen berries blended and strained add unbeatable flavor and natural color—no food dyes needed!
Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and an extra layer of flavor to complement the strawberries.
Pinch of Salt: Just a little to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes

Step 1: Whip the Butter

Start by adding your softened unsalted butter to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat it on medium-high speed until it turns pale, fluffy, and ultra creamy—which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to achieving that light-as-a-cloud frosting texture.

Step 2: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar

With the mixer on low, add the powdered sugar a little at a time, letting each addition mix in fully before adding more. This keeps your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes perfectly smooth and prevents a sugar storm from clouding your kitchen!

Step 3: Mix in Strawberry Purée, Vanilla, and Salt

Now it’s time for the starring ingredient: the strawberry purée. Pour it in along with the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and then beat everything together until the frosting looks fluffy and turns that irresistible soft pink. Give it a taste—let your palate confirm that it’s as dreamy as it looks!

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

If your frosting seems a bit thin, add more powdered sugar by the tablespoon until it firms up. For a silkier, more spreadable texture, blend in a touch more strawberry purée. The beauty of homemade frosting is that you’re in control—make it exactly how you like!

Step 5: Frost and Enjoy

Use right away to pipe, spread, or swirl onto your favorite cooled cakes or cupcakes. Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes is the perfect finishing touch—get creative and have fun decorating!

How to Serve Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes

Garnishes

Nothing completes Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes quite like a playful garnish. Try adding halved fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder, colorful sprinkles, or even a twist of lemon zest for a pop of flavor and flair.

Side Dishes

Serve your beautifully frosted treats with a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a platter of mixed berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These sides balance the richness of the frosting and turn your dessert into a wholesome finale to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes to the next level by swirling it high onto cupcakes with a piping bag, creating watercolor effects on layer cakes, or sandwiching it between cookies for a party-perfect treat. Layer it in jars with crumbled cake for adorable “cake parfaits”—perfect for gifting or picnics!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover frosting to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the frosting firms up after chilling, let it come to room temperature and re-whip with a spoon or mixer to restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes for later! Just place it in a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap directly over the surface, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use.

Reheating

If your frosting is too firm after chilling or freezing, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Give it a quick whip to restore its original texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the butter base and separate the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the purée?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly—just thaw them completely before puréeing and straining. You’ll still get that vibrant flavor and color in your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes.

How do I keep my frosting from being too runny?

If your frosting is too loose, gradually mix in more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Make sure your strawberry purée isn’t too watery and let it cool to room temperature before adding to the butter mixture.

Can this frosting be made dairy free or vegan?

It sure can! Swap out the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter substitute—just make sure it’s suitable for baking and unsalted. The rest of the ingredients in Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes are naturally vegan!

How much frosting does this recipe make?

This recipe generously frosts about 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch layer cake. Double or triple the batch for larger cakes, layer cakes, or if you like extra swirls on your cupcakes!

Can I add food coloring to make the frosting even pinker?

You certainly can, though the natural color from the strawberries is usually quite lovely on its own. A drop or two of pink or red food gel will really make your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes pop for special occasions.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about making Strawberry Buttercream Frosting for Cakes & Cupcakes from scratch. Once you taste that burst of real strawberry paired with billowy, creamy sweetness, you’ll never look back. Give it a try—you might just spark a new tradition for all your future celebrations!