Strawberry Cream Cheese Recipe (3 Ways)
Make the best strawberry cream cheese recipe in 10 minutes. Try fresh, freeze-dried, or jam for a creamy spread perfect on bagels and toast.
Ingredients
Base recipe
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 –3 tablespoons sugar honey, or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
Variation A: Fresh strawberries
- ½ to ¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 teaspoon sugar for macerating
Variation B: Freeze-dried strawberries
- ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries blended into powder
- 1 teaspoon milk or cream if needed for texture
Variation C: Jam or preserves
- 3 –4 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserves
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sweetener, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice. Mix until blended.
- Choose one variation:
Fresh strawberry method
- Toss chopped strawberries with sugar and let sit 10 minutes. Drain liquid.
- Fold berries or juice into cream cheese until well combined.
Freeze-dried method
- Grind strawberries into a fine powder.
- Mix powder into cream cheese until color and flavor are even.
- Add a teaspoon of milk if the spread feels too thick.
Jam method
- Stir jam into cream cheese until fully blended.
- For a swirl look, fold gently and leave streaks visible.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days.
- Do not freeze, as texture may separate.
Serving ideas
- Spread on bagels, toast, or English muffins
- Use as a dip for fruit or crackers
- Fill crepes, pancakes, or cupcakes
Notes
- Nutrition (per 2 tbsp serving, approximate):
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 2g