If you dream of a sweet, pillowy frosting that bursts with real berry flavor, Strawberry Buttercream will make your desserts sing. This creamy, naturally pink frosting is made with fresh strawberries, whipped butter, and just the right touch of powdered sugar. The result is a luscious, genuinely fruity topping with a gorgeous color and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re piling it high on cupcakes or swooping it onto a layer cake, Strawberry Buttercream transforms simple treats into showstoppers and brings a dose of sunshine to any celebration.

Strawberry Buttercream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe that just a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so beautiful and flavorful! Each element in this Strawberry Buttercream recipe plays a starring role, from the strawberries that infuse each bite with brightness, to the creamy butter that makes the frosting luxuriously smooth.

Strawberries (Fresh or Frozen): These are the heart of your frosting, providing bold berry flavor and natural color; frozen strawberries work as well as fresh for convenience.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the berries and helps draw out their juices as they cook.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash enhances the strawberry flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Salted Butter (Room Temperature): Soft, creamy butter is the base for this frosting—using salted butter deepens the flavors and cuts the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: This creates a silky, stable structure and sweetens without any grittiness; it’s the secret to a smooth finish.
Strawberry Puree: Intensifies the berry notes and tints the entire buttercream a dreamy pink hue.

How to Make Strawberry Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Start by removing the stems from your strawberries and tossing them into a medium pot along with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Warm this mixture over medium heat, stirring often—this coaxes out all that sweet, tangy juice! As the berries simmer, gently mash and stir until they break down and the liquid reduces by half (about 20 to 30 minutes). For a super-smooth puree, blend with an immersion blender or food processor. Let this fruity reduction cool completely before moving on—this keeps your Strawberry Buttercream from melting.

Step 2: Whip the Butter

Grab a large bowl or your stand mixer and beat the room-temperature salted butter until it’s fluffy, smooth, and pale. This step is key for an airy, cloud-like texture. The longer you whip, the lighter your final frosting will be!

Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar

Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated and lump-free. Don’t rush—give the butter and sugar a chance to become that magical sweet paste we all love. This forms the backbone of your Strawberry Buttercream, giving it structure and that iconic sweetness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Strawberry Puree

With the mixer running, gradually add four tablespoons of your cooled strawberry puree. Whip on high speed until your Strawberry Buttercream is soft, fluffy, and spreadable. Adjust the consistency by adding a touch more puree for extra color and flavor, or a sprinkle more powdered sugar if you’d like it thicker.

How to Serve Strawberry Buttercream

Garnishes

Top your Strawberry Buttercream-frosted treats with a slice of fresh strawberry, a few edible flowers, or a light zesting of lemon for a naturally beautiful finish. A scatter of freeze-dried strawberry pieces or tiny sprigs of mint also makes each serving pop with color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve anything slathered with Strawberry Buttercream alongside a bowl of mixed berries, a pitcher of refreshing lemon water, or a handful of crisp cookies for dunking. The soft, creamy frosting pairs beautifully with lighter sides that let the berry flavor shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, pipe Strawberry Buttercream into sandwich cookies, swirl it onto homemade doughnuts, or use it as a filling between cake layers. Try spreading it on sweet rolls, topping mini cupcakes with pretty rosettes, or even dolloping it on pancakes for a surprise brunch treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Buttercream will keep perfectly in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to one week. The flavor actually deepens as it sits, making each bite a little more luscious the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze Strawberry Buttercream for up to one month. Just portion it into a freezer-safe container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and seal tightly. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge before whipping again for maximum fluffiness.

Reheating

To reuse, let your Strawberry Buttercream come to room temperature, then give it a quick whip with a stand mixer or handheld beater to restore its creamy, spreadable texture. Do not microwave, as that can melt the butter and ruin the structure.

FAQs

How can I make the strawberry puree extra smooth for my buttercream?

After cooking down your strawberry mixture, simply blend it using an immersion blender or a food processor until it’s completely smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want to skip every last seed!

Can I substitute the strawberry puree with something else?

Yes, if you’re in a pinch, you can swap in high-quality strawberry jam for the puree in this Strawberry Buttercream. Just keep in mind that jam will make the frosting a bit sweeter and may have a slightly different texture.

Is it okay to keep leftover strawberry puree?

Absolutely! Leftover strawberry puree is wonderful drizzled over pancakes, French toast, ice cream, or even stirred into lemonade or cocktails. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

My Strawberry Buttercream is too soft. What should I do?

If your frosting is too soft, beat in a bit more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it firms up. If it’s still loose, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help it set before piping or spreading.

Can I double this recipe if I need more frosting?

Yes! Simply double each ingredient for a larger batch of Strawberry Buttercream. Make sure your mixer bowl is big enough to handle the volume and adjust blending times as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a frosting that truly tastes like summer and always wows a crowd, Strawberry Buttercream is the answer. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, you’ll want to add it to every dessert you make!