Name: Strawberry Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries (about 1 cup); ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar (divided); ½ tsp vanilla extract; ⅛ tsp salt; 2 tbsp milk (2% or whole, divided)

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There’s something incredibly nostalgic about frosting, isn’t there? Strawberry Frosting takes me back to my childhood, where birthday cakes would be lavishly topped with this sweet, pink delight. I remember my mom letting me dip my fingers into the bowl, and the taste of strawberries mixed with creamy sweetness would make my worries melt away. Now, as an adult, I find joy in creating this frosting for special occasions as well as simple weeknight desserts. Whether you’re frosting a cake for a birthday party or simply making a sweet treat for yourself, this Strawberry Frosting is a must-try!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
0 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
KitchenAid Stand Mixer (Premium 5 Quart Tilt-Head)

The Beauty of This Strawberry Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Strawberry Frosting is not just about the sweetness; it’s about the experiences and memories it creates. Here are a few reasons why you should try this recipe:

1. Fresh Flavor

The vibrant taste of freeze-dried strawberries gives this frosting a fresh, fruity flavor that outshines store-bought alternatives. It’s like enjoying a burst of summer in every bite!

2. Versatility

This frosting isn’t just for cakes; it’s perfect for cupcakes, cookies, and even as a dip for fruits. Its versatility makes it a staple in any dessert lover’s kitchen.

3. Easy to Make

With just a handful of ingredients, this Strawberry Frosting comes together in no time. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip this up at home!

4. A Beautiful Presentation

The lovely pink color of the frosting makes your desserts not only taste good but also look stunning. It adds a pop of color to any cake or treat.

5. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add more strawberries to explore different flavors. This frosting is truly a blank canvas for your creativity!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Frosting

The ingredients for this Strawberry Frosting are simple yet incredibly effective. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key players:

1 oz freeze-dried strawberries (about 1 cup): These provide the vibrant strawberry flavor without the excess moisture.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar (divided): This is essential for sweetness and gives the frosting its structure.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
⅛ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
2 tbsp milk (2% or whole, divided): Adjusts the consistency to your preference.

Cooking Instructions for Strawberry Frosting

Making Strawberry Frosting is a delightful experience that involves simple steps. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious frosting ready to adorn your desserts. Let’s dive into the steps!

Prep the strawberries: Start by adding the freeze-dried strawberries to a plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into a fine powder. If you have a food processor, that works well too and saves time!
Mix the base: In a large bowl, take your softened butter and blend it with 1 cup of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt using a hand mixer or stand mixer. You want a smooth, creamy consistency to work with.
Incorporate the strawberry powder: Scrape down the bowl’s sides before gradually adding the remaining powdered sugar and the strawberry powder. Mix thoroughly after each addition to ensure everything is well combined.
Adjust the texture: Now, it’s time to achieve the perfect frosting consistency. Slowly add in the milk, one tablespoon at a time. Keep mixing until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. You might notice that you won’t need all the milk, so add it in moderation.
Frost and enjoy: Once the frosting is ready, spread it generously on a completely cooled cake. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy every delightful bite of this sweet, berry-packed treat!

Things Worth Knowing

Texture Tips: The key to a light and fluffy frosting is to ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing.
Storage: Keep any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, you can add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Color Variation: You can mix in a drop of food coloring if you desire a more vibrant pink hue.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

To make your Strawberry Frosting experience even better, here are some tips:

Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to a week, but be sure to give it a good stir before using it again.
Freezing: You can freeze this frosting for up to three months. Just allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Pairing: This frosting pairs wonderfully with chocolate or vanilla cakes, and it can also be used on pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat.
Cupcake Topping: When using this frosting on cupcakes, try piping it with a star tip for a professional look!
Double the Batch: If you’re making a large cake or multiple desserts, consider doubling the recipe to ensure you have enough frosting.
Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding a hint of lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist.
Presentation: For a beautiful finish, top the frosted cake with fresh berries or edible flowers.

Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Frosting

The beauty of Strawberry Frosting lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility for serving. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

Cakes: This frosting is perfect on chocolate or vanilla cakes, providing a delightful contrast in flavors.
Cupcakes: It can easily elevate any cupcake, making it ideal for birthday parties or celebrations.
Cookies: Try using it as a delightful topping for sugar cookies for a festive look.
Summer Events: Its fruity flavor makes it a fantastic choice for summer barbecues and picnics.
Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering.
Leftover Storage: Any leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s well sealed!

FAQ

While fresh strawberries provide amazing flavor, they contain moisture that can affect the texture of your Strawberry Frosting. If you choose to use fresh, you’ll need to adjust the quantities of other ingredients to compensate and possibly add more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency. For best results, stick to freeze-dried strawberries.

You can store leftover Strawberry Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure to seal it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. When you’re ready to use it again, let it sit at room temperature for a little while, then give it a stir to bring back the creamy texture.

Yes, you can freeze Strawberry Frosting. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir to restore its consistency before spreading it on your desserts.

Strawberry Frosting pairs beautifully with chocolate cakes, vanilla cupcakes, and even pancakes! It can add a sweet touch to any dessert, making it a versatile choice for all your baking needs. Try it on a chocolate loaf cake or even as a sweet dip for fruit.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Frosting is a delightful addition to any dessert, elevating simple treats into something extraordinary. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the burst of strawberry flavor and creamy texture for yourself. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this frosting is sure to bring a smile to your face.