Description: This Strawberry Dream Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on classic cream cheese frosting, bursting with the fresh, concentrated flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. Its vibrant pink hue and smooth, creamy texture make it the perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. This recipe is easy to follow, yielding a frosting that is both delicious and visually stunning. The use of freeze-dried strawberries ensures a consistent, intense strawberry flavor without adding excess moisture that can compromise the frosting’s structure. Get ready to elevate your baked goods with this unforgettable frosting!
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature (essential for a smooth, lump-free frosting)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature (salted butter complements the sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor and complexity)
- 6 cups (approximately 750 grams) confectioner’s powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar, it provides sweetness and structure)
- 2 ½ cups freeze-dried strawberries, pulsated into a fine powder (the key to the intense strawberry flavor and beautiful color)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries: Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or high-powered blender. Pulse until they are completely pulverized into a fine powder. This is crucial for even distribution of flavor and color throughout the frosting. Ensure there are no large pieces remaining. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the freeze-dried strawberries in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet until they are a fine powder. Sifting the powder afterward will remove any remaining larger bits.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat on medium speed for approximately 4 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This step is absolutely vital. Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature; otherwise, the frosting may have lumps. If using a stand mixer, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a subtle warmth.
Step 4: Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the confectioner’s powdered sugar, about one cup at a time. Mix well after each addition until the sugar is fully incorporated. Be cautious not to add the sugar too quickly, as this can create a cloud of powdered sugar in your kitchen. Adding it gradually ensures even distribution and prevents lumps. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream to adjust the consistency, but be very careful not to add too much liquid.
Step 5: Blend in the Strawberry Powder: Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the prepared freeze-dried strawberry powder. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is well blended and a uniform pink color. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all the strawberry powder is fully incorporated. The frosting should be smooth, creamy, and intensely strawberry-flavored.
Step 6: Chill the Frosting: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before piping or spreading onto your baked goods. Chilling allows the frosting to firm up, making it easier to work with and preventing it from being too runny.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Strawberry Dream Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a topping; it’s an experience. The concentrated strawberry flavor, derived from freeze-dried strawberries, delivers an authentic and intense taste that is far superior to artificial strawberry flavorings. The frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness, with a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese. The beautiful pink color adds a touch of elegance to any dessert. This recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of baked goods, from classic vanilla cupcakes to decadent chocolate cakes. Plus, the use of freeze-dried strawberries eliminates the risk of a watery frosting, ensuring a stable and beautiful final product. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how much it elevates your baking!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor: Excellent
- Texture: Smooth and Creamy
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Cakes: Perfect for topping vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry cakes.
- Cupcakes: A delightful addition to vanilla, chocolate, or lemon cupcakes.
- Cookies: Use it as a filling for sandwich cookies or to decorate sugar cookies.
- Brownies: Spread it on top of brownies for a touch of fruity sweetness.
- Pastries: A wonderful filling for pastries like cream puffs or éclairs.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the smoothest frosting.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Using freeze-dried strawberries is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Fresh strawberries will add too much moisture and thin the frosting.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time.
- Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with other freeze-dried fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving – varies depending on serving size) This section is estimated and should not be taken as an exact science.
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 2 grams
- Sodium: 100 mg
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Dream Cream Cheese Frosting is a game-changer for your baking repertoire. Its vibrant flavor, beautiful color, and smooth texture will transform ordinary desserts into extraordinary creations. The recipe is simple, straightforward, and yields consistent results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this frosting easy to master and incredibly rewarding. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this delicious frosting and let your creativity shine! Your cakes, cupcakes, and cookies will thank you for it.
Questions and Answers about Strawberry Dream Cream Cheese Frosting:
Q1: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?
A: While tempting, using fresh strawberries is not recommended. Fresh strawberries contain a high water content, which will make the frosting too thin and runny. Freeze-dried strawberries provide an intense strawberry flavor without adding excess moisture, resulting in a stable and perfectly textured frosting. The water content in fresh strawberries will drastically change the consistency, making the frosting unusable for piping or holding its shape.
Q2: My frosting is too thick. What can I do?
A: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid at once, as this can make the frosting too thin. Alternatively, you can also beat the frosting for a longer period, which can help to loosen it up. A tablespoon of softened butter or a small amount of melted white chocolate can also help to loosen the frosting without adding too much liquid.
Q3: My frosting is too thin. How can I fix it?
A: If your frosting is too thin, gradually add a tablespoon of confectioner’s powdered sugar at a time, mixing well after each addition, until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much powdered sugar at once, as this can make the frosting too sweet. Chilling the frosting in the refrigerator for a longer period can also help it to firm up. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the frosting, but be sure to mix it in thoroughly to avoid any starchy taste.
Q4: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this frosting ahead of time. Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and re-whip it with a mixer until it’s smooth and creamy again. This will restore its light and airy texture.
Q5: What kind of cream cheese is best for this recipe?
A: Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese is highly recommended for this recipe. It provides the best flavor and texture, resulting in a richer and more stable frosting. Avoid using whipped cream cheese or low-fat cream cheese, as they contain more moisture and can affect the consistency of the frosting. The full-fat version also has a more robust flavor that stands up well to the sweetness of the sugar and the intensity of the strawberries.
