You’ll love how this strawberry buttercream frosting bursts with real strawberry flavor and creamy sweetness. It’s light, smooth, and ready in just 10 minutes — perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies anytime.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Buttercream
Fresh strawberry flavor and vibrant color
This frosting shines with the taste of real strawberries. The natural pink hue gives every dessert a fresh, colorful look without food coloring.
Smooth, creamy texture that pipes beautifully
It’s buttery, soft, and spreads like a dream. Whether you’re swirling it on cupcakes or piping rosettes, it holds shape perfectly.
Simple ingredient list and 10-minute prep time
With only butter, powdered sugar, and strawberries, this recipe comes together fast. You’ll have a bakery-style frosting in minutes.
Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more
This frosting pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, or lemon desserts. Try it with my Strawberry Cake Recipe with Creamy Strawberry Buttercream for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients Needed
Butter at room temperature (salted or unsalted)
Softened butter creates the base for a fluffy texture. Either salted or unsalted butter works well, depending on your taste.
Powdered sugar and how to adjust consistency
Powdered sugar gives structure and sweetness. Add a little more for a thicker consistency or reduce slightly for a softer spread.
Fresh strawberries and how moisture affects results
Finely chopped fresh strawberries with their juices bring flavor and natural color. Since moisture varies, always check texture before adding extra fruit.
Optional swaps, including using thawed frozen strawberries
You can use thawed frozen berries if fresh ones aren’t available. Puree them first, and then adjust powdered sugar to keep your frosting thick and smooth.
How to Make Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Cream the butter until smooth and fluffy
Start by beating softened butter in a large bowl. Mix until it’s pale and creamy. This step ensures a light, silky texture later.
Mix in powdered sugar gradually
Add powdered sugar slowly, mixing on low to prevent clumps. Then increase speed until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.
Add chopped strawberries and their juices
Now, fold in the strawberries and their natural juice. You’ll see the frosting turn a lovely pink and smell amazing right away.
Adjust thickness with extra berries or powdered sugar
If it’s too thick, add more berries. If it’s thin, sprinkle extra sugar. Adjust gradually until it reaches your ideal consistency.
How to use the frosting on cakes and cupcakes
Spread it over cooled cakes, pipe it onto cupcakes, or sandwich it between cookies. It’s also delicious on Sourdough Red Velvet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Buttercream Every Time
Managing moisture levels from fresh strawberries
Since strawberries vary in juiciness, balance them carefully. Always add small amounts at a time and mix until you find the right thickness.
Balancing thickness and spreadability
If your frosting feels dense, add a spoonful of juice or puree. For a firmer hold, chill it for a few minutes before decorating.
How temperature affects frosting texture
Warm kitchens can soften butter quickly, making frosting runny. Keep it slightly cool and whip again if it loosens too much.
Best techniques for piping and decorating
For neat swirls, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Chill cupcakes briefly before serving for cleaner edges and longer hold.
Yield, Storage, and Make-Ahead Notes
Approximate yield (3–4 cups; 16 servings)
This recipe makes about 3 to 4 cups, enough for 16 cupcakes or a two-layer cake.
Refrigeration and freezing instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How to thaw and rewhip frosting for best texture
When ready to use, let it thaw at room temperature. Then whip again for a smooth, creamy finish that spreads easily.
Strawberry Buttercream FAQs
Does strawberry buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the fresh fruit, it should be refrigerated if not used immediately. Let it soften slightly before spreading.
What are 5 mistakes to avoid when making butter icing?
Avoid using cold butter, overmixing, adding too much liquid, skipping the scraping step, and using warm bowls.
How long can strawberry buttercream sit out?
It can sit at room temperature for about 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to keep it fresh.
How to make strawberry flavoured buttercream?
Beat butter, add powdered sugar, then blend in chopped strawberries or puree until smooth and fluffy.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Chocolate Pie Dessert Recipe
- Magic Lemon Cobbler Easy Dessert
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls Dessert
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake Thanksgiving Dessert
Conclusion
This strawberry buttercream frosting is sweet, creamy, and full of real fruit flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any dessert. Once you taste it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Check out more ideas on Pinterest for frosting inspiration and fun decorating tips.
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing bowl Large size recommended
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer For smooth and creamy texture
- Spatula To scrape the sides and smooth frosting
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries including juices
- optional additional powdered sugar if needed
Instructions
- Beat softened butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape the sides as needed.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed until combined and smooth.
- Add chopped strawberries with their juices and mix on low until fully combined.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more strawberries. If too thin, add powdered sugar until desired texture is reached.
- Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Chill briefly for firmer piping results.
