Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsUnion AssemblyStrawberry Buttercream Recipe

Strawberry Buttercream Recipe

Inspired by Union Assembly
Time1h
Serves12

Make Strawberry Buttercream Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Strawberry Purée

Method

Strawberry Purée

  1. 1

    Prepare and cook

    Place hulled strawberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture becomes saucy, about 6–8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Smooth and chill

    Transfer the cooked strawberries to a blender or use an immersion blender and purée until smooth. Taste and add up to 1 additional teaspoon sugar if needed for sweetness. Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl to remove seeds. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled (about 20–30 minutes). You should end up with about 3 tablespoons purée for the buttercream; reserve any extra for garnish or to swirl into frosting.

Buttercream

  1. 3

    Soften and whip butter

    Place 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a large mixing bowl and hand mixer). Beat on medium speed until the butter is smooth and pale, about 2–3 minutes.

  2. 4

    Add sugar gradually

    With the mixer on low, add the sifted confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time to avoid a cloud of sugar, pausing to fully incorporate each addition. After all sugar is added, increase speed to medium and beat until combined, about 1–2 minutes.

  3. 5

    Incorporate flavorings and cream

    Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour in 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or whole milk) and continue beating on medium-high for 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  4. 6

    Add strawberry purée

    With the mixer on low, add 3 tablespoons chilled strawberry purée in two additions, mixing until just incorporated. Increase speed to medium and beat 30–45 seconds more. Taste the buttercream and, if you want a stronger strawberry flavor or a thinner consistency, add up to 1 additional tablespoon purée and beat until combined. If the buttercream becomes too soft, chill it 10–15 minutes and re-whip briefly.

  5. 7

    Adjust consistency and salt

    If the buttercream is too stiff, add cream ½ tablespoon at a time until desired spreadable consistency. If it tastes too sweet, add a tiny pinch more salt and mix again.

  6. 8

    Store or use

    Use the strawberry buttercream immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip for smoothness before using. Frozen: freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator then bring to room temperature and re-whip.

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