Strawberry Cream Cheese like Philadelphia brand is just as sweet and fruity as the store-bought spread. It is easy to make this copycat recipe in your kitchen.
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Try your Hand at a Homemade Cream Cheese Spread
Bagels are one of the most popular breakfasts in the US because they are quick to make, and there are so many ways to enjoy them. Many people prefer salty and savory spreads like whitefish salad or hummus.
But for those who want something a bit sweeter, it is hard to beat strawberry cream cheese. Sure, they sell premade strawberry-flavored cream cheese in the supermarket, but that can’t compare to the intense fruitiness of a freshly made version.
Try this simple Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese recipe, and you will always want to have some in your fridge!
No Frozen Strawberries in Syrup? No Problem!
Using the syrup from frozen strawberries makes this recipe quick and easy, but if you have fresh strawberries and a little time on your hands, you may want to try this recipe instead.
Cut about ten strawberries into small pieces and place them inside of a food-safe plastic bag along with two teaspoons of powdered sugar. If you want, you can use another sweetener like agave syrup or honey, but you should stay away from regular sugar because not all the sugar may dissolve, resulting in a gritty texture.
Seal the bag and give it a good shake to evenly distribute the sugar. Keep in the fridge overnight. In the morning, continue with the recipe, but toss in the fruit and the necessary amount of syrup.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need:
- Frozen strawberries in syrup
- Cream cheese
This is just a start. You could add some of your favorite liqueur to this recipe. Two tablespoons of Chambord and a touch of orange zest will give you a spectacular cream cheese spread.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese
- Thaw strawberries.
- Drain the liquid from the strawberries. You will only use the liquid for this recipe.
- Cut cream cheese into large cubes.
- Place cream cheese cubes into the bowl of a food processor.
- Pour the strawberry liquid over the cream cheese.
- Pulse until the cream cheese and strawberry liquid are well combined.
Serve this delicious homemade strawberry cream cheese spread with toasted bagels. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container when not using.
Tips for Making and Storing Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese
- Don’t throw out the frozen strawberries. Why not try whipping up a banana strawberry smoothie or a Strawberry Julius for yourself as a treat?
- Feel free to tweak the flavors. Try mixing in two tablespoons of Chambord and a touch of orange zest. You may prefer adding a half teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract instead.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
This is Too Good for Just Bagels
It would be a shame to let this cream cheese sit in the fridge when there are so many cool ways you can enjoy it. Here are three suggestions to help you start thinking about the possibilities:
- Tea Sandwiches. Although afternoon tea isn’t as common as it once was, maybe it is time to bring it back. At the very least, you owe it to yourself to try these delightful strawberry cream cheese tea sandwiches. Start by cutting the crust off of a thinly sliced Pullman-style loaf. Spread a layer of softened butter followed by a thin layer of strawberry cream cheese on the bread. Sprinkle on finely chopped basil and place a few sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese. Cover with another piece of buttered bread. Cut diagonally into four triangles and serve.
- Cracker Spread – Use it on your favorite crackers or homemade crackers.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Mousse. This quick dessert is lovely on its own or served with a slice of pound cake. Combine 8 oz of strawberry cream cheese with a half cup of whipping cream. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and whip with an electric mixer until it becomes fluffy.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting. Use this delicious frosting for decorating cupcakes or as a dip for sugar cookies. Mix with an electric mixer 8 oz of strawberry cream cheese with a half cup of softened butter until combined. Pour in two teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix on low while slowly adding four cups of confectioners’ sugar. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and mix until creamy.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag.
See what we are up to on Pinterest!
Now I have shared my two favorite ways of having bagels for breakfast (lox and other goodies, and something sweet), what is your favorite way to have your bagel?
Learn more about bagels with this short history on the bagel.
Love strawberries? Try these recipes!
- Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
- Shoneys Strawberry Pie
- Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino Starbucks
- Strawberry Limeade
- Strawberry Pop Tart Recipe
Favorite DIY Recipes
- Chocolate Syrup
- French Vanilla Creamer
- Homemade Cream Cheese
- Homemade Velveeta
- Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
- How to Make Your Own Bisquick
- Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix
- Vanilla Sugar
Check out more of my easy recipes for dips, sauces, and spreads and the best DIY recipes here on CopyKat!
Strawberry Cream Cheese like Philadelphia
Ingredients
- 10 ounces frozen strawberries in syrup or with sugar you will use only the liquid, reserve strawberries for another use
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Thaw strawberries according to the package instructions.
- Carefully drain off about ⅓ to ½ cup of the liquid from the frozen strawberries. You will only use the liquid. You will not need the strawberries for this recipe.
- Cut cream cheese into large cubes,
- Place cream cheese cubes into the bowl of a food processor.
- Drizzle strawberry liquid over the cream cheese.
- Pulse until the cream cheese and strawberry liquid are well mixed.
Bev Jones
Strawberry cream cheese is SOOOO good spread on ginger snaps for a snack or sweet appetizer.
Shirley Burns
Love your blog!!!
Stephanie
Thank you very much!
Claire
Hi Stephanie!
You’re so right, every once in a while something sweet on a bagel is wonderful. I’ve always used all the fruit in a cream cheese spread, but using just the juice like that certainly makes it much smoother and creamy. Great idea, thanks!
Joycee
I am loving your blog, so many great recipes. Come over to GrannyMountain for a visit when you have the time!