If you’re searching for a dreamy, berry-packed frosting with a cloud-like texture and naturally vivid pink hue, Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is the answer you never knew you needed. This luscious, fruity icing is as perfect for piping cute swirls on cupcakes as it is for slathering across layer cakes, and that burst of real strawberry flavor comes from clever use of freeze-dried strawberries. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or simply looking to brighten up your next celebration, Strawberry Buttercream Frosting will become your new go-to treat for sweet occasions.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, so keep things simple and choose the best you can find. The magic happens when these everyday staples come together for a frosting that’s intensely flavorful, beautifully colored, and ultra-smooth.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): This is your creamy, rich base; letting it come to room temperature means your frosting will whip up fluffier and smoother.
Powdered Sugar (3 1/2 cups, sifted): This gives the frosting its structure, silkiness, and just the right amount of sweetness; always sift for lump-free results!
Freeze-Dried Strawberries (1/3 cup, finely ground): The real secret for bright, bold strawberry flavor and that gorgeous pink color—grind them into a fine powder for the best results.
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk (2-3 tablespoons): Adjusts the consistency so your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is perfectly spreadable or pipeable.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A classic touch, enhancing all the other flavors with cozy warmth and depth.
Pinch of Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make those strawberry notes pop.

How to Make Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by placing your softened unsalted butter in a large bowl. Beat it on medium-high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s super smooth, creamy, and a little paler in color. This step helps create a light, airy texture for your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting and makes it easy to blend in the other ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Magic

Sprinkle in your finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. Beat the mixture again until every bit of the strawberry powder is fully incorporated. You’ll see the frosting instantly perk up with a vibrant pink shade and you’ll smell that natural berry aroma—so good!

Step 3: Gradually Incorporate Powdered Sugar

Add the sifted powdered sugar to the bowl one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. After each addition, crank it up to medium-high and beat for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds body and ensures the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is silky-smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Flavor and Adjust Consistency

Add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract, your pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Now, beat everything on high for another 1 to 2 minutes. If your frosting seems a bit thick, add more cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your dream consistency—soft enough to swipe easily, but stiff enough to hold its shape.

Step 5: Ready to Frost!

Your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting should now be light, airy, and packed with strawberry flavor. It’s ready to spread or pipe onto cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even straight onto graham crackers for a simple treat. Use right away or prep ahead—either way, you’re in for something sweet and special.

How to Serve Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting with playful garnishes like extra freeze-dried strawberry crumbles, fresh strawberry slices, or a sprinkling of colorful sprinkles to add flair and texture. Even a tiny mint leaf can elevate the look and add a fresh pop against the pink backdrop.

Side Dishes

This frosting is stunning on classic vanilla or chocolate cupcakes, but it’s also amazing with lemon, almond, or coconut cakes. Light, airy meringues or delicate sugar cookies are perfect canvas for this Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, creating a beautiful, fruity contrast that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piping swirls on tall cupcakes, sandwiching between two soft sugar cookies, or spreading between thin layers of sponge cake for a twist on a classic Victoria sandwich. For celebrations, swirl Strawberry Buttercream Frosting atop sheet cakes and decorate with strawberry hearts or edible flowers for a delightfully sweet centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a little extra Strawberry Buttercream Frosting (lucky you!), pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep fresh and flavorful for up to five days, just waiting to be brought back to spreadable perfection.

Freezing

Want to get a head start on your baking? Strawberry Buttercream Frosting freezes like a dream. Store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature before whipping it up again for the ultimate fluff.

Reheating

To make your refrigerated or thawed frosting fluffy again, let it come to room temperature, then beat it with your mixer for a minute or two. A splash of cream can help loosen it up if it’s a bit stiff, making your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting taste as fresh as when you first made it.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh or frozen strawberries add a lot of moisture, which can make the frosting runny and less vibrant. Freeze-dried strawberries are the key ingredient for intense flavor and that perfect pink color—so stick with those for best results!

What if I don’t have a stand mixer—can I do this by hand?

A hand mixer is your next best friend here, making the process much easier than mixing by hand. If you don’t have either, you can try whipping with a sturdy wooden spoon, but be prepared for a bit of a workout to reach the right fluffy texture.

How do I fix frosting that’s too thick or too thin?

If your Strawberry Buttercream Frosting feels too thick, add more cream or milk one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, mix in a bit more sifted powdered sugar until it firms up. Just be patient and go slowly—little adjustments make a big difference.

Can I color or flavor it differently?

Absolutely! While the strawberry powder gives plenty of natural color, you can add a drop of pink food coloring if you want an even bolder shade. For a twist, swap half the vanilla for almond extract or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a little brightness.

Is this frosting stable enough for piping and cake decorating?

Yes—it holds its shape well for piping rosettes, borders, and tall swirls. If your kitchen is especially warm, chill the frosting or your piping bag for a few minutes to help everything stay picture-perfect.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give Strawberry Buttercream Frosting a try! There’s something magical about that fresh berry flavor and cheerful pink hue. It’s a treat guaranteed to brighten up any celebration, and once you’ve made it, you’ll be tempted to use it on everything. Happy frosting adventures!

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Enough to frost 24 cupcakes or a 9-inch layer cake
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the fruity sweetness of this homemade Strawberry Buttercream Frosting. Made with real freeze-dried strawberries, this fluffy and flavorful frosting is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Add Strawberries: Mix in the ground freeze-dried strawberries until fully incorporated.
Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for another 2-3 minutes.
Final Touches: Add the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.