Strawberry Frosting

Why This Recipe Works

This Strawberry Frosting is the real deal — made with actual fresh strawberries, not artificial flavoring! The natural strawberry puree creates a gorgeous pink color and an authentic berry taste that pairs perfectly with vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet cakes. It’s fluffy, creamy, and has just the right amount of sweetness. Once you try frosting made with real fruit, you’ll never go back to the artificial stuff!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries (about 5-6 medium)
• 2 tbsp strawberry jam or preserves
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: 1-2 drops pink food coloring

Instructions

1. Prepare the strawberries: Wash, hull, and finely dice the fresh strawberries. Pat completely dry with paper towels — excess moisture will make your frosting watery. You want about 1/3 cup of finely diced berries.
2. Make the strawberry puree: In a small blender or food processor, blend the diced strawberries and strawberry jam until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smoother texture. Set aside.
3. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy. This creates the base for a smooth frosting.
4. Add the strawberry mixture: Reduce speed to low and add the strawberry puree in a slow, steady stream. Mix until fully incorporated. The color will be a lovely natural pink!
5. Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The vanilla enhances the strawberry flavor while the salt balances the sweetness.
6. Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Add the heavy cream if needed for desired consistency.
7. Final beat and color: Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth. Add pink food coloring only if you want a deeper pink shade. Use immediately or refrigerate.