Indulge in the enchanting sweetness of Strawberry Buttercream Frosting—a treat that tastes just as dreamy as it looks! This homemade frosting bursts with the flavor of real strawberries, blending creamy butter, a fluffy cloud of powdered sugar, and a vibrant pink hue that will make any cake or cupcake the star of the summer table. It’s rich, silky, and oh-so-spreadable, bringing a fruity twist to classic buttercream that every dessert lover should experience at least once.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honestly, it’s incredible that just a handful of simple ingredients join forces to create such a show-stopping Strawberry Buttercream Frosting! Each component has a unique purpose—making the texture billowy, the taste fresh and sweet, and the color irresistible. Here’s why you’ll want every item on this list.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creamy, rich, and perfectly neutral so the strawberry flavor can truly shine.
Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted): Delivers smooth structure and cloud-like sweetness—don’t skip the sifting for that luscious, lump-free finish.
Fresh strawberry purée (1/3 cup, strained): The heart of the whole recipe, giving your frosting a juicy burst of summer and a natural, rosy color.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the berry flavor, adding warmth and depth to every bite.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to make all the other flavors pop—never underestimate this tiny touch!
Heavy cream (1–2 tablespoons, optional): A secret weapon for achieving your ideal silky-smooth consistency, if the mood (or the weather) calls for it.

How to Make Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start with butter that’s truly room temperature—soft, but not melting. Place it in your stand mixer bowl, and beat on high for a solid three minutes. This step unlocks the butter’s fluffiest potential, giving your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting its signature lightness and creamy base. Don’t rush it—the more you whip, the dreamier the texture.

Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar

Add the powdered sugar in stages—about a cup at a time, with your mixer on low (unless you’re a fan of sugar clouds!). After each addition, increase the speed to medium-high and beat well, making sure it’s totally blended before you add more. This keeps the frosting from becoming dry or overly sweet, and ensures that silky, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Step 3: Add Strawberry Purée and Vanilla

Pour in the fresh strawberry purée (be sure it’s well-strained—nobody wants seeds in their frosting!) and vanilla extract. Now mix on medium-high until the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting turns a soft, cheerful pink and all the berries are fully incorporated. This moment is kitchen magic: the color and aroma are irresistible!

Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Flavor

If your frosting is a little stiff, beat in a tablespoon of heavy cream until it’s smooth and spreadable. For a firmer result (say, if you’re piping rosettes), just add a bit more powdered sugar. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of salt and give the whole batch a final whip—this balances the flavor and brings everything together in perfect harmony.

Step 5: Use or Store

Your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is ready to steal the show! Use it right away for the dreamiest swirl, or transfer it to an airtight container for the fridge. If you’re working ahead, let it come to room temperature and rewhip before giving your cupcakes or cake their crowning glory.

How to Serve Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

Turn every dessert into a showstopper with the right finishing touches! Top your frosted treats with whole or sliced strawberries, a delicate sprinkle of edible pearl sprinkles, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. The natural pink blush of the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting really pops with jewel-bright fresh berries or simple white toppings.

Side Dishes

While this frosting shines brightest on cakes and cupcakes, consider pairing your strawberry creations with lemon bars, vanilla meringues, or buttery shortbread cookies. The bright fruitiness of the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is the perfect counterpoint to tart, creamy, or buttery side treats—think afternoon tea or a festive dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! Pipe the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting onto mini cupcakes for a playful dessert tray, swirl it between soft sugar cookies for instant sandwich cookies, or use it as a filling in layer cakes. For parties, try frosting a naked cake or using it to fill delicate French macarons—the pink color is especially gorgeous for bridal showers or birthdays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Strawberry Buttercream Frosting (lucky you!), scoop it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to use it again, let it sit out until it’s completely back at room temperature, then give it a quick whip to restore its fluffy, smooth texture.

Freezing

Absolutely, you can freeze Strawberry Buttercream Frosting! Simply pack it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to decorate, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then let it come fully to room temperature before rewhipping. It’ll be just as dreamy as the day you made it.

Reheating

Technically, you don’t want to “heat” this buttercream, but you do want it soft enough to spread and pipe. Always bring refrigerated or thawed frosting back to room temperature, then beat with your mixer for a minute or two—this restores its light, airy character and helps any separated ingredients re-emulsify.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the purée?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and blend, making sure to strain out any excess liquid and seeds. Frozen strawberries work great and can help you enjoy Strawberry Buttercream Frosting even when fresh berries aren’t in season.

How can I make the color more vibrant without artificial coloring?

Use ripe, deeply colored strawberries for your purée—sometimes, simmering the purée to reduce and concentrate the color (then cooling and straining it) will give you the prettiest blush without needing food coloring.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter?

Absolutely! Swap the butter with a high-quality vegan buttery spread. The frosting will still whip up beautifully and carry the strawberry flavor, making it perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.

Can I pipe designs with this Strawberry Buttercream Frosting?

Yes! This recipe is wonderfully sturdy for piping. Just be sure you’ve achieved the right consistency by adjusting with a little more powdered sugar or a splash of cream, depending on the weather and your design plans.

Will the frosting taste artificial or overly sweet?

Not at all. Thanks to the real strawberry purée and a pinch of salt, the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting tastes fresh and naturally fruity, not cloyingly sweet or fake. It’s just the right balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet—heavenly on everything!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is truly a baker’s secret weapon—simple, showy, and full of real fruit flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re celebrating a big event or just want to add a little bit of wow to everyday cakes and cupcakes. Don’t wait for a special occasion to try it; your kitchen (and your sweet tooth) will thank you!