Learn how to make a fresh, beautiful, naturally vibrant and pink strawberry frosting using either fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried berries! Be sure to check out the how-to video!
Prep time: PT20M
Cook time: PT5M
Total time: PT25M
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strawberry buttercream, strawberry frosting, summer frosting recipe
- Place quartered strawberries in a small saucepan over medium heat and add 1 Tablespoon of water (this will keep the berries from burning to the bottom of the pan).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the berries release their juices, then grab a fork or potato masher and mash the berries into a pulp.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is reduced in volume and thickened to a thick paste (similar in consistency to tomato paste) and most of the water is cooked out.
- Place in a heatproof container and let cool to room temperature before proceeding. You can speed up the process by placing the strawberry reduction in the refrigerator.
- Combine softened butter, a bit of the powdered sugar (about 1 cup) and vanilla extract (if using) and salt in a large bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until creamy and well-combined. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar until it has all been added.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and add the cooled strawberry paste, 1 Tablespoon at a time, pausing to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Don't over-mix, but ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cake or cupcakes. Enjoy!
- Place freeze dried berries in a small food processor and pulse until they’ve become a fine powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine butter, about 1 cup of powdered sugar, vanilla extract (if using) and salt until completely combined. Gradually add remaining powdered sugar until all has been added.
- Add strawberry powder and stir until combined. The frosting will become stiff. Gradualy add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you’ve reached a desirable, pipe-able consistency (I typically need 3 Tablespoons of cream, but your mileage may vary and add the cream slowly).
- Pipe or spread frosting onto cake or cupcakes. Enjoy!