Description
This Fresh Strawberry Buttercream recipe transforms ripe strawberries into a luscious, flavorful frosting perfect for cupcakes, cakes, and other baked treats. By making a homemade strawberry puree reduction, this buttercream offers a natural fruity sweetness and vibrant color without artificial flavors. The creamy texture and balanced taste make it an ideal choice for adding a fresh berry twist to your desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
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 them until smooth to yield about 1 ½ cups of puree.
- Reduce Puree: Pour the strawberry puree into a medium non-stick saucepan. Heat over medium heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the puree reduces to approximately ⅓ to ½ cup, about 25-30 minutes. The texture should be a bit thinner than tomato paste. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. (This step can be completed up to 48 hours in advance and stored refrigerated.)
- Cream Butter Mixture: Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is fluffy and light in texture.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Incorporate the cooled strawberry reduction into the creamed butter and mix thoroughly until well combined and evenly colored.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, about ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated and the frosting thickens.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting becomes too stiff, add the heavy whipping cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired creamy and spreadable consistency is achieved.
- Pipe or Spread: Use the finished buttercream to pipe onto cooled cupcakes or spread over cakes for a fresh strawberry flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Make the strawberry reduction ahead of time to save preparation time on the day of decorating.
- Adjust powdered sugar and heavy cream amounts slightly to reach your preferred frosting consistency.
- Use room temperature butter for best creaming results.
- Keep the buttercream refrigerated if not used immediately, and bring to room temperature before serving.
- This frosting is not suitable for long-term storage due to natural fruit content.
