Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (60g) freeze-dried strawberries, ground into a fine powder
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 pinch (1g) fine salt

Instructions:

  1. Place the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until they become a fine, dust-like powder. Sift this powder with the powdered sugar to remove any remaining seeds or large chunks.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together on medium-high speed for 3–5 minutes until the mixture looks pale, fluffy, and completely homogeneous.
  3. Turn the mixer to low and gradually add the sifted sugar and strawberry powder mixture. Once incorporated, pour in the vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Increase the speed to medium and whip for another 2 minutes until the frosting is a consistent, velvety pink and holds a stiff peak.
  5. Optional: Chill the frosting for 30 minutes for firmer piping.