Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is the perfect way to bring the summer flavor of strawberries to your birthday or holiday celebrations. Yummy Dessert!
Who loves strawberries? Our family is crazy for them. We have a bush out back & no sooner do those berries turn ripe & the kids have them picked clean.
I think in the 3 years we have had it, I have only been able to scrape up enough berries for one batch of jam because the kids eat them as soon as they are ready.
But that’s okay, I can usually get a screaming deal on big flats of them through our co-op.
I love doing that because I feel like I’m back in So Cal where you can stop at any strawberry field on the corner & get a massive tray of the most gorgeous strawberries you have ever seen.
strawberry buttercream
I really miss that, but I can still create the feeling with our spread at the co-op. One of my favorite things to make when I have an abundance of strawberries is Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting.
It’s like all the wonderful flavors of summer- topped on a cupcake! YUM!
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
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This is really easy to make too, which is why I love using it on favorite recipes like these Bakery-Style Vanilla Cupcakes I shared last week! Definitely one of my favorite recipes passed down from my mom. She made the most amazing cakes.
Here are some commonly asked questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes -You bet. Just thaw them completely before using.
Why do you add vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract is a common flavoring found in most baked goods and frosting recipes and frequently found in the majority of confections too. It adds a certain depth to the flavor of the recipe that extends beyond a more “sugary” taste.
This recipe calls for a stand mixer. Can I also make this recipe by hand?
Yes. This recipe can easily be made by hand. However, keep in mind that this method will influence the overall time commitment.
What is the best way to store leftover strawberry buttercream frosting?
Just keep it refrigerated for up to 7 days. As long as you don’t let it sit out at room temperature for too long, this should keep well when chilled.
Do I have to use the food coloring?
Food color is optional – but recommended to make this frosting bright pink The puree isn’t quite enough to get the frosting to this color and often times it can yield a greyish color instead.
The color will intensify as it sits. So don’t go overboard with the food coloring.
strawberry buttercream recipe
HOW TO MAKE Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting?
- Place the butter in a large mixer bowl and beat on high until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and salt, mix until just combined.
- Slowly beat in the confectioner’s sugar, 1 cup at a time making sure it is completely incorporated each time before adding the next cup.
- Fold in the strawberry puree or jam.
- Beat in the food color- if using.
How do I properly measure the confectioner’s sugar?
The official way is to spoon the sugar into the measuring cup & level off. This makes sure the sugar isn’t packed tightly into your measuring cup, adding more than you need, as that will make your recipe too dry.
Sometimes if you fluff the sugar with a spoon, then gently scoop it into the measuring cup, taking care to not pack it in – that can work. But for THIS RECIPE you will need to use the fluff and gently scoop method.
Can I use a vanilla substitute instead of vanilla extract?
Yes. Vanilla essence does not provide quite the same flavor as regular vanilla extract. However, it is a good alternative.
Can strawberry frosting be frozen?
Yes you can freeze strawberry frosting. Just make sure to place it in an airtight container and then freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours prior to using again. If needed, place it in the mixer and whip it again for 1-2 minutes to bring back the creaminess.
Strawberry Frosting
If you want a fresh, summery flavor for your summer celebrations – this is the frosting for you!
To make this recipe you will need…
- fresh strawberries or jam
- butter
- confectioners sugar
- pure vanilla extract
- salt
- food coloring – opt
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
This is really a personal preference. If you are happy with just a little salt to cut the sweetness, then use salted butter.
I usually use whatever I have on hand & I really don’t pay too close attention to what butter I have. But I typically keep salted butter on hand & I love that little bit of extra salt with the sweet in this recipe.
These days with groceries being more difficult to find – I basically get whatever the store has available at the time and make it work.
Can this recipe be cut in half?
Oh of course! If you are making this frosting for a smaller cake, you can definitely reduce this recipe and make a half-batch.
easy strawberry buttercream frosting recipe
Can I use a sugar substitute?
I have not personally tried it, so I can’t say how that would turn out. But if you would like to try it, I suggest a product that offers a 1:1 swap. Please let me know how it turns out.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, absolutely. This frosting is easily doubled. Keep in mind the size of your bowl for your mixer and the power of the mixer itself.
Even my largest pro mixer can sometimes struggle when trying to whip the volume of frosting when I have doubled the recipe. I usually just make the batches back to back.
strawberry buttercream icing
If you love this Easy Strawberry Frosting recipe, you’re going to love these other treat ideas too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 2 cups butter 4 sticks – room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp table salt
- 7 cups confectioners sugar
- ¾ cup strawberry puree or you can use jam
- pink food color *opt I used 15-20 drops of gel
Fresh Strawberry Puree (to equal 3/4 cup)
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries about 10-12
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Place the butter in a large mixer bowl and beat on high until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and salt, mix until just combined.
- Slowly beat in the confectioner’s sugar, 1 cup at a time making sure it is completely incorporated each time before adding the next cup.
- Fold in the strawberry puree or jam.
- Beat in the food color- if using.
Fresh Strawberry Puree
- Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small food processor or blender and pulse until it reaches the consistency of thin jam.
Notes
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Tamar says
That looks so pretty and so tasty!
Jess says
I bet this is amazing!! Yum!
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Sheri Wilson says
I made this strawberry cake and icing for a friend’s birthday. It was amazing. Everybody had seconds!! It was so easy as well. Thanks for sharing.
Tiphanie says
Does this have to be refrigerated due to the fresh puree?
Gina Kleinworth says
Yes – the puree and the butter in the recipe will require refrigeration.
Amy Sanchez says
Is the butter salted or unsalted?
Gina Kleinworth says
Your preference depending on how sweet you like it. I usually use salted because that’s what I keep on hand. Please see the section in the post regarding what type of buter to use.
Deb says
How many cupcakes would this frost?
Gina Kleinworth says
This makes a lot of frosting. Enough to fill and frost a 2 layer 8″ round cake. So it will be more than enough for 24+ cupcakes depending on how much you pipe on.
Diane says
Awesome! Love this recipe and so easy!