Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese: Sweet, Tart, & Totally Dreamy

Fresh strawberries transform this homemade strawberry cream cheese into something incredibly special. Moms, dads, teens, and anyone with a sweet tooth – this recipe’s for you!

We’re kicking those store-bought spreads to the curb. It’s time to level up with an easy version that bursts with fresh berry flavor. This isn’t your standard strawberry cheesecake filling, either. It’s lighter, bolder, and so versatile.

Supplies You’ll Need to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese

• Medium bowl
• Food processor or powerful blender
• Rubber spatula
• Airtight container

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and roughly chopped
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons strawberry jam or use our strawberry compote (optional, adds depth)

Directions for Dreamy Strawberry Cream Cheese

1. In your bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth.

2. In the bowl of your food processor, combine the second 8 ounces of cream cheese, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt to the cream cheese. Mix until well combined.

3. For an intensely fruity strawberry flavor, heat jam in a saucepan over low heat until runny. Let it cool slightly, then mix it into the cream cheese mixture.

4. Combine the plain cream cheese with the pureed strawberry cream cheese mixture and the remaining strawberry pieces.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? 
  Technically, yes, but the texture changes slightly after thawing. Best used fresh.
• Is the lemon juice necessary? 
  It brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness, but you can omit it in a pinch.
• I don’t have a food processor: 
  Dice the strawberries very finely instead.

Ways to use your Strawberry Cream Cheese

• On bagels and toast: The obvious, amazing classic.
• Fruit dip: Perfect for pretzels, graham crackers, and apple slices
• Ice cream topping: Turns plain vanilla into a luxurious treat
• Cheesecake filling: Layer with graham cracker crumbs in glasses for individual treats
• Swirled into pound cake: For next-level brunch deliciousness
• French toast filling: Take your breakfast game to the next level

Tips and Tricks

• Room temperature is key: Softened cream cheese mixes smoothly with no lumps!
• Taste and adjust: Prefer sweeter? Add a bit more sugar. Love the tartness? Extra lemon!
• Get creative: A bit of finely grated orange or lemon zest adds a delightful zing.
• Storing: Keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations

• Other berries: Raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully.
• Creamy or chunky? Pulse the berries more for a smoother spread and less for a chunkier one.
• Mascarpone swap: For ultra-richness, try half cream cheese and half mascarpone.

Love this strawberry recipe? Then you’ll also adore…

• Homemade Strawberry Compote Recipe: An Easy, Versatile Treat
• How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Ice Cream Float
• Strawberry Napoleon Recipe

Let me know how you customize your strawberry cream cheese in the comments!