How to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling for cake

Elevate your dessert game effortlessly with this easy-to-follow guide on crafting the perfect strawberry cream cheese filling.

Ideal for both filling and frosting, this recipe promises to add a burst of strawberry goodness to your homemade treats, with the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries but also ensures your cakes stay irresistibly moist, solving the quest for a versatile and delicious topping for all your baking creations.

Frosting Vs Filling

In many cases, a filling can also be used as a frosting, and vice versa, depending on the texture, consistency, and notably, the stability of the mixture. 

Can you use this Strawberry filling as Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, strawberry cream cheese filling can be used as a frosting. 

The critical consideration lies in ensuring that the consistency and texture align with the requirements for spreading or piping onto baked goods. 

Nobody wants a filling recipe that oozes out of the cake layers while frosting or bulges around the sides. 

In fact, this sweet filling is so versatile that you can not only use this to fill and frost a cake or cupcake, but this can also form the base for a cheesecake filling. 

Ingredients:

• Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened for smooth blending. Right before starting with the recipe, I weigh out the required amount of cream cheese from the fridge, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds, and then proceed with the recipe. Using full-fat cream cheese yields a richer and creamier result.
• Strawberries: Both frozen and fresh berries work well for the recipe. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference and the desired intensity of strawberry flavor.
• Whipping Cream: Use heavy cream and ensure that it is cold. 
• Icing Sugar: I recommend using icing sugar and not powdered sugar that is powdering your granulated sugar. 

Find the detailed printable recipe from the recipe card by scrolling to the bottom of the post. '

This recipe is a variation of classic cream cheese frosting without butter. 

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Strawberry Puree

• In a saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. 
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then conduct a taste test to adjust sweetness or acidity as needed. 
• Mash the strawberries using a potato masher to break it down.
• Introduce the custard powder slurry, and while stirring continuously, cook the puree until it reaches a thickened consistency.
• Next, strain the mixture through a sieve for a smooth texture into a small bowl. This would also help to get rid of excess liquid if any.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely cooled.

Consider checking our post on strawberry filling for cakes for detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures if desired.

This would yield 1/4 cup weighing 87 gms. You can use an equal amount of strawberry jam and avoid making this step altogether.

Step 2:

In a separate mixing bowl, whip the whipping cream until it reaches stiff peaks and a firm texture. (image 3-4)

Image 5 - To facilitate the blending process, take a small portion of the stiff cream and gently mix it with the cream cheese mixture.

No. 6 - Subsequently, combine the entire cream cheese strawberry mixture with the stiff whipped cream. Using a spatula, delicately fold the two together, ensuring not to deflate the whipped cream.

You can chill the cream for 5 mins to stabilize it further.

Now, this delightful mixture is ready for filling or frosting your cake or cupcake.

Storage Instructions

To store strawberry cream cheese filling, follow these guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: Store the filling in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
2. Sealing: Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent the absorption of odors from the refrigerator and to maintain the quality of the filling.
3. Labeling: Consider labeling the container with the date to track its freshness and consumption timeline.
4. Use Within: Consume the strawberry cream cheese filling within a reasonable timeframe to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture. Typically, it's best to use it within 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator.

While storing and using strawberry cream cheese filling is ideal for filling between cakes, cupcakes, or puff pastry sheets, I would advise against using refrigerated filling as frosting for cakes and cupcakes.

Cupcakes frosted with strawberry cream cheese filling can be stored for 3-4 days, but it's important to note that refrigerated filling may alter the texture. 

For the best results, I recommend using the filling immediately after preparation when using it as a frosting.

Avoid Freezing: Cream cheese fillings may not freeze well due to changes in texture upon thawing. It's generally not recommended to freeze strawberry cream cheese filling.

Ways to Use this Filling

1. Strawberry Cupcake Filling: Inject the filling into cupcakes using a piping bag making it the perfect addition.

2. Cake Filling:  Use it as a layer in between homemade strawberry cake along with fresh strawberry puree and frost it with the same to make a great strawberry cake. 

3. Frosting: This Vanilla Cupcake is frosted with this strawberry cream cheese filling as seen in the picture above.

4. Cheesecake Base: Incorporate the filling into a baked or a no-bake cheesecake recipe as the flavorful base. It adds a unique twist to the classic cheesecake.

5. Doughnut Filling: Fill homemade or store-bought doughnuts with the strawberry cream cheese mixture for a delicious and unexpected treat.

6. Trifle Layer: Use the filling as a layer in a trifle, alternating with cake, fruit, and whipped cream for a delicious layered dessert.

7. Fruit Tart Filling: Spread the filling over a pre-baked tart crust and top with fresh berries for a delightful strawberry cream cheese fruit tart.

8. Dip for Fresh Fruit: Serve the filling as a dip for fresh fruit such as strawberries, apple slices, or melon cubes along with graham crackers for crunch.

9. Stuffed French Toast: Spread the filling between slices of bread for a delicious stuffed French toast. Top with fresh berries and maple syrup.

10. Topping - You can top your pancakes, strawberry crepes, etc. 

Pro Tips

1. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the strawberry puree by adding sweetness or acidity before combining it with the cream cheese frosting. 
2. Strain the Strawberry Puree: Straining the strawberry puree helps remove seeds and ensures a smoother texture in the filling.
3. Prevent Over-Softening of Cream Cheese: Be cautious not to bring the cream cheese to room temperature or allow it to become excessively soft, as this can result in a loose final consistency. Instead, weigh the required amount of cream cheese and microwave it for about 10 seconds to slightly soften it before proceeding with the recipe. This ensures better control over the texture of the filling.
4. Whip the Cream Separately: Whipping Cream needs to be whipped separately until stiff peaks form before folding the cream cheese mixture into it. This makes the strawberry frosting recipe stable enough to be piped on cakes and cupcakes. 
5. Fold Gently: When combining the whipped cream with the cream cheese mixture, fold gently to maintain the fluffiness and avoid deflating the whipped cream.
6. Refrigerate Before Use: Allow the filling to chill in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes before using if you find that the frosting is not stiff. 
7. Store Properly: If storing, keep the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remember that the texture may change slightly upon refrigeration.
8. Use Immediately for Frosting: If using the filling as frosting, do so immediately after preparation for the best spreading or piping consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Recipes

1. Vanilla Cupcake with Oil
2. Strawberry filling for Cake
3. Stiff Cream Cheese Frosting

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