If youโre looking for a delightful treat thatโs as simple as it is indulgent, then this strawberry cream cheese recipe is your new best friend. Imagine velvety cream cheese mixed with fresh, juicy strawberriesโsweet, tangy, and smooth all in one bite. Itโs like a spreadable dessert that can elevate any snack, toast, or even be used as a dip for fruit and crackers. The creamy base gets a lovely burst of berry sweetness that makes it totally irresistible.
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This oneโs perfect for mornings when you want to treat yourself, or as a quick snack when you need something refreshing and a little bit indulgent. Trust me, youโre going to want to have this in your fridge all summer long!
Why Youโll Love Strawberry Cream Cheese
This recipe isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating moments. Whether youโre whipping up something delicious for a brunch or enjoying a solo snack, this creamy spread is sure to hit the spot. Hereโs why itโs a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as a spread on toast, bagels, or pancakes. It also works as a dip for fresh fruit or crackers, and itโs an amazing addition to any dessert platter.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge. No need to break the bank for something this good!
Quick and Easy: A total breeze to makeโjust blend everything together, and youโre done. Itโs so easy, itโs almost like youโre getting away with something!
Customizable: You can play around with the sweetness level, or even add a touch of vanilla or lemon zest to give it an extra pop of flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: Itโs one of those dishes that disappears quicklyโwhether youโre serving it at brunch or as an after-school snack, everyone will love it.
Ingredients in Strawberry Cream Cheese
Hereโs what you need to make this creamy, fruity spread:
Cream Cheese: Softened for the best smooth texture, itโs the base of this spread and gives it that luscious, rich flavor.
Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, ripe strawberries add that juicy burst of flavor. The fresher, the better!
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness without being overly granulated. Perfect for a smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings a touch of warmth to complement the strawberries.
Lemon Juice (Optional): A tiny bit of lemon juice enhances the strawberry flavor and gives the cream cheese a slight tangy kick.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this simple, yet divine strawberry cream cheese:
Prep the Strawberries: Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. Slice them into small pieces, then mash them slightly with a fork or potato masher. You can leave some chunks for texture or mash them completely for a smoother spread.
Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk if youโre in the mood for a little arm workout.
Add the Sweeteners and Flavor: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (if using) to the cream cheese. Stir until well combined.
Combine with Strawberries: Gently fold in the mashed strawberries. If you like a chunkier spread, leave some of the strawberry bits intact; if you prefer it smooth, blend them fully into the cream cheese.
Chill and Serve: Cover the mixture and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The chill time also helps thicken the spread.
Serve and Enjoy: Slather on your favorite bread, crackers, or enjoy it with fresh fruit. You can even add a little drizzle of honey or extra berries on top for a decorative touch!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 120
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese
This spread is so versatile, you can pair it with just about anything:
With Toast or Bagels: Spread it generously over warm toast, croissants, or bagels for a delicious breakfast or snack.
As a Dip: Serve it as a dip with sliced fruits, crackers, or even mini pancakes for a fun, sweet treat.
On Pancakes or Waffles: Top your morning pancakes or waffles with a dollop of this creamy spread, and enjoy a strawberry-infused breakfast.
In Desserts: Use it as a topping for cakes, muffins, or even as a filling for crepes.
On a Cheese Platter: Serve alongside cheeses and nuts for a sweet contrast on your next charcuterie board.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Strawberries: The fresher the berries, the better the flavor. Try to use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best taste.
Sweetness Control: Adjust the sweetness to your preference. Add more powdered sugar if you like it sweeter, or less for a more balanced flavor.
Storage Tips: Store the spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It may thicken slightly when chilled, but just give it a quick stir before serving.
Make It Ahead: You can make this spread the night before your brunch or get-together. Just let it sit in the fridge to let the flavors develop.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A1: Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in your spread.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! Itโs even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: You can try using ricotta or mascarpone, but cream cheese gives it that signature texture and flavor.
Q5: Can I add more flavors to this?
A5: Yes! Try adding a touch of cinnamon or almond extract for a new flavor profile.
Q6: How can I make this less sweet?
A6: Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or skip it altogether for a more savory version.
Q7: Can I use this as a frosting?
A7: Absolutely! It makes a lovely, light frosting for cakes or cupcakes.
Q8: How long does this last in the fridge?
A8: It will last for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
Q9: Can I freeze this?
A9: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Q10: Can I mix in other fruits?
A10: Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches would make great additions to this spread.
Conclusion
Strawberry cream cheese is the perfect way to add a little sweetness and joy to your day. Whether youโre enjoying it on toast, as a dip, or even as a dessert topping, this creamy spread will make everything feel a little more special. Simple to make, beautifully versatile, and packed with flavor, itโs one of those recipes youโll come back to again and again. Happy spreading!
PrintStrawberry Cream Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, light, and fluffy. Made with just four simple ingredients, itโs a quick and easy treat thatโs perfect on bagels, toast, or muffins for a delicious breakfast!
Ingredients
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4 large fresh strawberries
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8-ounce brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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1/4 cup powdered sugar
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1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
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Wash and fully dry the strawberries. Remove the stems and chop them roughly to yield about ยฝ cup of strawberries. Transfer them to a medium bowl and crush using a potato masher or fork.
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In a separate bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and salt until fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
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Add the mashed strawberries to the cream cheese mixture, and continue beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Serve on bagels, toast, or muffins for a quick, delightful breakfast or snack!
Notes
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Store any leftover strawberry cream cheese in the fridge for up to a week.
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You can adjust the amount of powdered sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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