If you are searching for a delightfully luscious and naturally flavored frosting, this Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Bursting with the vibrant taste of real strawberries, it offers a beautiful pink hue and a creamy, dreamy texture that will make your desserts stand out. Perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or even as a dip, this buttercream is both fresh and indulgently sweet without relying on artificial flavors, making it a favorite to whip up for any special occasion or simply when you want to treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role to create that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and natural berry flavor. Using fresh strawberries gives the frosting its authentic taste and alluring color, while the butter adds richness and smoothness. Powdered sugar sweetens the mix gently, and a touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, with heavy cream adjusting the texture to just right.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound, chopped): Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the most vibrant strawberry flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Soft butter creates the creamy base without adding extra saltiness.
- Powdered sugar (4 – 4 ½ cups): This sweetness balances the natural tartness of strawberries and thickens the frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream (3-4 tablespoons): Adds smoothness and allows you to tweak the buttercream’s consistency perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with a gentle warmth and subtle sweetness.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries
Start by cutting the tops off your fresh strawberries, then toss them into a blender or food processor. Puree until completely smooth—aim for about 1 ½ cups of vibrant strawberry puree. This fresh puree forms the flavorful heart of your buttercream, ensuring every bite bursts with genuine strawberry goodness.
Step 2: Reduce the Puree
Transfer your strawberry puree to a medium non-stick saucepan and simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Let it reduce to about ⅓ to ½ cup in volume, which takes roughly 25-30 minutes. You’re aiming for a consistency just a bit thinner than tomato paste. This step intensifies the berry flavor and removes excess moisture, so your buttercream won’t be runny. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding. (You can even prepare this step up to 48 hours in advance, making your frosting process easier on the day of assembly.)
Step 3: Cream Butter with Vanilla
With a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. This is the foundation of your frosting, so take your time to get that nice airy texture before introducing the strawberry puree.
Step 4: Add Strawberry Puree
Mix in the cooled strawberry reduction thoroughly into your fluffy butter base. This imparts that gorgeous pink color and unmistakable fresh strawberry aroma that you want in your buttercream.
Step 5: Incorporate Powdered Sugar
Add the powdered sugar half a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps you achieve a smooth and balanced sweetness while controlling the frosting’s thickness. Patience here pays off with a perfectly creamy texture.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Finish
Beat the mixture until it’s thick, fluffy, and spreadable. If it feels too dense, gently stir in heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your ideal consistency. Now your fresh strawberry buttercream is ready to be piped onto cupcakes, spread on cakes, or enjoyed however you fancy!
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, consider topping your frosted treats with fresh strawberry slices, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These garnishes enhance both the visual appeal and the strawberry theme, making every bite feel like a celebration of summer’s best berries.
Side Dishes
This buttercream sings most beautifully atop light, fluffy vanilla or lemon cupcakes, but it also pairs wonderfully with pound cake, angel food cake, or shortbread cookies. The freshness of the strawberry buttercream balances richer, buttery bases perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by piping the buttercream into rosettes or ruffles for stunning cupcakes, layering it between cake layers for a colorful surprise, or swirling it onto parfaits or cheesecakes. You can even use it as a dip for fresh fruit, making simple snacks feel indulgent and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fresh strawberry buttercream keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just let it come to room temperature and re-whip briefly with a hand mixer before using to bring back that delightful fluffy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the buttercream for up to 2 months by sealing it tightly in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then whip it again before serving to restore its creamy consistency and bright flavor.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary and not recommended, as warmth can change the texture and flavor of the buttercream. Instead, let it rest at room temperature and whip gently to refresh before decorating your desserts.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe?
While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and color, frozen berries can work in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing to avoid a runny frosting.
How can I make this buttercream without a hand mixer?
You can use a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease, but it will take longer to achieve the fluffy consistency. A hand mixer is recommended for the best texture.
Is this buttercream too sweet?
The sweetness level can be adjusted by varying the amount of powdered sugar. Start with 4 cups and add more according to your taste preference, remembering that strawberry reduction adds natural sweetness.
Can I add food coloring to make the pink more vibrant?
This recipe usually turns a lovely soft pink naturally from strawberries, but if you want a brighter hue, a few drops of pink or red food coloring can be added without affecting the taste.
How long does it take to reduce the strawberry puree?
Simmering the puree takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s thickened to a slightly thinner consistency than tomato paste.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe is truly a treasure worth keeping in your baking arsenal. Its fresh, vibrant flavor and luscious texture have the power to elevate any simple dessert into a memorable treat. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste it, I promise it will become your new favorite way to enjoy strawberries all year round!
Print
Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert/Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Fresh Strawberry Buttercream is a luscious and vibrant frosting made from homemade strawberry puree and creamy butter. Perfect for enhancing cupcakes, cakes, or cookies with a natural strawberry flavor and smooth, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, chopped
Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 – 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Cut the tops off of the strawberries and place the chopped strawberries in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth, yielding about 1 ½ cups of puree.
- Reduce Puree: Transfer the strawberry puree to a medium non-stick saucepan. Heat over medium heat, letting it simmer while stirring occasionally. Continue until the puree is reduced to ⅓-½ cup and has a consistency just a bit thinner than tomato paste, approximately 25-30 minutes. Allow it to cool completely. (This step can be done up to 48 hours in advance.)
- Cream Butter and Flavorings: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to cream together softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Strawberry Puree: Add the cooled strawberry puree to the creamed butter mixture and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar in ½ cup increments, mixing after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
- Adjust Consistency: Beat the mixture until the frosting is thick and fluffy. If it becomes too stiff, add heavy whipping cream one tablespoon at a time, mixing until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Decorate: Use the fresh strawberry buttercream to pipe or spread on cooled cupcakes, cakes, or other baked goods.
Notes
- Reducing the strawberry puree intensifies the flavor and prevents the buttercream from becoming too loose.
- The puree can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Adjust powdered sugar and cream amounts to get your preferred frosting thickness and sweetness.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- This buttercream pairs wonderfully with vanilla, chocolate, or lemon-flavored cakes.
