Strawberry season is here!
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, sweet berry.
But what if you could capture that incredible flavor and turn it into something truly special?
Enter: homemade strawberry buttercream.
It’s richer, more flavorful, and infinitely more satisfying than store-bought frosting.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Food processor
- Small saucepan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
Instructions:
- Make the Strawberry Reduction:
- Toss the chopped strawberries into a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Pour the strawberry puree into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat.
- Bring the puree to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will thicken the puree and reduce it by about half.
- Let the strawberry reduction cool completely to room temperature before moving on to the next step.
- Create the Buttercream Base:
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Be patient and make sure each addition is mixed in before adding the next.
- Combine the Flavors:
- Add the cooled strawberry reduction and a pinch of salt to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Beat on low speed until everything is combined and the buttercream is smooth.
And that’s it! You’ve just created a batch of homemade strawberry buttercream that’s bursting with fresh flavor. Use it to frost cakes, cupcakes, or as a filling for pastries. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the best of strawberry season.
Tips:
- For a deeper strawberry flavor, consider increasing the amount of reduced puree.
- If the buttercream is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it up.
- Store leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
Enjoy your homemade strawberry buttercream!
Would you like some ideas on what to use this buttercream for?