Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore this frosting because it’s both beautiful and delicious. The real blueberry reduction gives it a genuine fruit flavor—not artificial or overly sweet—and the creamy texture spreads or pipes effortlessly. I love how versatile it is: it pairs wonderfully with vanilla, lemon, or chocolate cakes and even works as a filling for pastries. The color alone makes it feel special, and it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
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In a saucepan over medium heat, I combine the blueberries and granulated sugar. I mash the berries gently with a spoon or potato masher as they cook.
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I simmer the mixture for 8–10 minutes until it thickens into a jam-like consistency.
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I transfer the blueberry reduction to a bowl and let it cool completely. To speed things up, I often spread it in a shallow dish and place it in the fridge.
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In a large mixing bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
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I add the vanilla extract and then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Once the frosting is smooth, I beat in the cooled blueberry reduction until fully combined. The frosting turns a gorgeous lavender color with a rich, creamy texture.
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If the frosting feels too soft for piping, I chill it for 10–15 minutes to firm it up before using.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 3 cups of frosting—enough to frost one 8-inch layer cake or about 18 cupcakes. It takes around 10 minutes to cook the blueberries, plus 10 minutes of prep and cooling time, for a total of roughly 20 minutes.
Variations
I like to experiment with this frosting by tweaking the flavors and pairings:
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Lemon Blueberry Frosting: I add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
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Mixed Berry Version: I use a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries for a more complex fruity taste.
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Vanilla Bean Twist: A bit of vanilla bean paste gives it extra depth and a hint of warmth.
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Extra Tangy: I add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for even more tanginess.
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White Chocolate Fusion: I fold in melted white chocolate for a richer, dessert-like frosting.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When I’m ready to use it, I let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, then re-whip it briefly to restore its creamy texture. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months—after thawing in the fridge, I give it a quick mix before using.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, I can. I just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the reduction.
How can I make the frosting smoother?
I strain the blueberry reduction before adding it to the frosting to remove seeds and skins for a silky finish.
Can I adjust the color?
Yes, the more blueberry reduction I add, the deeper the purple hue becomes. I sometimes add a drop of natural food coloring if I want a brighter tone.
Will this frosting hold up for piping?
Yes, it holds its shape well once chilled for 10–15 minutes. I often refrigerate it briefly before using it for cakes or cupcakes.
What desserts pair best with this frosting?
I love using it on lemon cake, vanilla cupcakes, or blueberry muffins. It’s also delicious spread over sugar cookies or used as a filling for macarons.
Conclusion
This blueberry cream cheese frosting is a simple yet elegant way to elevate any dessert. I love how its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and naturally beautiful color make every bite memorable. Whether I’m topping a birthday cake or adding flair to cupcakes, this frosting never fails to impress—it’s a sweet, fruity twist on classic cream cheese frosting that I keep coming back to.
PrintBlueberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Tangy, creamy, and naturally purple—this blueberry cream cheese frosting is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or anything sweet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + cooling
- Yield: About 3 cups frosting
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop + Mixer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries and granulated sugar.
Mash and cook for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Transfer to a shallow bowl and cool completely in the refrigerator.
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract.
Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until desired sweetness and consistency is reached.
Beat in the cooled blueberry reduction until fully incorporated and frosting turns a light purple color.
Notes
Smooth Texture Tip: Strain the blueberry reduction before adding to the frosting for an extra smooth finish.
Chilling Tip: If frosting is too soft to pipe, chill for 10–15 minutes before use.
Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist or try with other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp and re-whip before using.
