Fresh Strawberry Glaze (Icing) recipe for cakes

Strawberry glaze made with fresh strawberries is a quick and simple icing that adds a burst of fresh strawberry flavor to your favorite treats. Whether you're topping donuts, scones, or cakes, this strawberry puree-based glaze brings the perfect fruity touch to any dessert.

Strawberry Glaze or Icing?

Both terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a slight difference. 

A strawberry glaze is typically thinner, shinier, and pourable—perfect for drizzling over cakes, donuts, or scones. 

Strawberry icing is usually thicker, more spreadable, and often used to frost cookies or cupcakes. 

This recipe makes a strawberry glaze, but you can easily adjust the consistency to use it as icing, too—I'll share how to do that in the steps below.

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes:

• Icing Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar. Always sieve before using to ensure a smooth, lump-free glaze.
• Strawberry Puree: Made by blending and straining fresh strawberries to remove seeds. For 2 tablespoons of puree, you’ll need about 5 to 6 medium-sized ripe strawberries.
• Milk or Cream (Optional): Helps thin the glaze if needed. Even though it’s listed in the ingredients, I didn’t use it as the consistency was perfect without it. Only add a few teaspoons at a time if your glaze feels too thick.

Flavor Variations:

• Add ½ to 1 tsp of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
• A tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
• You can stir in a few drops of vanilla extract for added depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Beat the Cream Cheese:

In a mixing bowl, beat softened room temperature cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Add Icing Sugar Gradually:

Sift the icing sugar first, then add it, little by little, while continuing to beat the cream cheese. This helps the sugar incorporate well and keeps the glaze smooth.

Mix in the Strawberry Puree:

Pour in the prepared strawberry puree and beat again until fully combined. The glaze should now have a lovely pink hue and fresh, natural flavors. 

Adjust Consistency (If Needed):
At this point, the glaze should be thick yet pourable—perfect to drizzle over cakes, bread, donuts, or scones.

• If you want a runnier glaze, add a teaspoon of cream or milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

• For a thicker icing (ideal for cookies or cupcakes), simply reduce or skip the milk/cream, or chill the glaze slightly before using a spatula to spread.

In my case, I did not use milk or cream as the glaze was already perfect for pouring over a strawberry pound cake.

How to Store Glaze Icing

• Refrigerator: Store the strawberry glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since it contains cream cheese, refrigeration is important for safety and freshness.
• Before Use: When ready to use, let the glaze sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. If it’s too thick, stir in a small amount of milk or cream to loosen it up.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can change when thawed due to the cream cheese.

Best Tips:

• Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and get a smooth glaze.
• Sieve the icing sugar before using to ensure a lump-free, silky finish.
• Make your strawberry puree fresh by blending and straining strawberries for the best flavor and color.
• Add milk or cream only if needed to adjust consistency—start with a teaspoon at a time
• This glaze sets beautifully on chilled cakes—make sure your cake is cool before glazing.

How to Use the Glaze

I’ve used my universal glaze recipe to create this strawberry variation, and it just proves how mastering a few basic recipes opens up endless possibilities in the kitchen.

Once you’re comfortable with the base, it becomes so easy to play around with flavors, tweak textures, and come up with versions that work for you.

This strawberry glaze is incredibly versatile and can be used in so many ways:

• Drizzle it over a bundt cake for a shiny, flavorful finish
• Spoon it onto donuts, strawberry bread or muffins for that bakery-style touch
• Spread a thicker version on scones for a soft, sweet topping—because what’s better than fresh strawberry scones
• Use it as a topping for ice cream or waffles for a fun weekend twist
• Or simply use it as a quick icing for cookies and cupcakes

It’s a small batch, fuss-free recipe that instantly brings in that fresh strawberry flavor wherever you use it.

Frequently asked Questions

Related Recipes:

1. Universal Glaze Recipe for Pound Cake
2. Strawberry Pound Cake
3. Strawberry Bread

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