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Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe

4.4 from 95 reviews

This Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is a luscious, creamy frosting made with rich unsalted butter, sweet confectioners’ sugar, and flavorful strawberry preserves. Whipped to a fluffy perfection with a touch of heavy cream and vanilla extract, it delivers a fresh fruity twist to classic buttercream, ideal for cakes, cupcakes, and pastries.

Ingredients

Scale

Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/4 cup (80g) strawberry preserves or jam, seedless if preferred
  • 12 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly incorporate the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start mixing at low speed to control the sugar, then increase to medium speed until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Incorporate Strawberry Preserves: Add the strawberry preserves or jam and mix on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Add Cream and Vanilla: Pour in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk and the vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed. Add extra cream or milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Season With Salt and Whip: Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  6. Adjust Texture and Sweetness: Taste the frosting. If too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar. If too thick, add additional cream or milk. Balance sweetness by adding more salt if needed.
  7. Final Fluff: Increase mixer speed to high and beat for another minute to make the frosting extra fluffy.
  8. Use or Store: Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or pastries. Alternatively, store the frosting in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
  9. Rewhip Before Use: If stored, bring to room temperature and whip briefly before using to restore creamy texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for the smoothest frosting.
  • For seedless preserves, strain homemade jam for better texture.
  • Fresh pureed strawberries can be used but cooking them down gives better flavor and texture.
  • Adjust sweetness and consistency gradually to taste for customization.
  • Substitute heavy cream or milk with half-and-half or non-dairy milk alternatives.
  • Salted butter can be used but omit the added pinch of salt called for in the recipe.
  • Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge up to one week or freeze up to three months.
  • For piping or stiffer consistency, add extra confectioners’ sugar incrementally.
  • To lighten flavor, add lemon juice or diced fresh strawberries for a fresh twist.

Keywords: strawberry buttercream frosting, strawberry frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, cake frosting, cupcake frosting, easy frosting, homemade frosting, dessert frosting