There’s something magical about spreading thick, fruity strawberry cream cheese on a warm, toasted bagel. While store-bought versions are convenient, nothing compares to the intense, fresh strawberry flavor you get when making this beloved spread at home. With just two simple ingredients and a food processor, you can create a copycat version that rivals Philadelphia brand’s famous strawberry cream cheese, but with more vibrant flavor and no artificial additives.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to extraordinary strawberry cream cheese lies in using the concentrated strawberry syrup from frozen berries rather than fresh fruit pieces. This syrup contains intense strawberry flavor without adding excess moisture that could make the cream cheese watery. The natural fruit sugars in the syrup provide perfect sweetness while the smooth consistency ensures easy spreading. By using a food processor, you achieve the same silky texture as commercial versions while controlling exactly what goes into your spread.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need:
- Frozen strawberries in syrup – Provides concentrated strawberry flavor and natural sweetness without adding excess moisture
- Cream cheese – Creates the rich, tangy foundation that balances the sweet strawberry flavor perfectly
The Art of Strawberry Selection
- Frozen Strawberries in Syrup: The ideal choice for this recipe because the freezing process breaks down cell walls, releasing maximum juice and creating natural syrup. The concentrated liquid provides intense strawberry flavor without diluting the cream cheese base.
- Fresh Strawberry Alternative: If you prefer using fresh berries, create your syrup by macerating chopped strawberries with powdered sugar overnight. This process draws out natural juices while maintaining fresh fruit brightness.
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.
Creative Uses Beyond Bagels
- Tea Sandwiches: Spread on crustless white bread with fresh strawberry slices and chopped basil for elegant afternoon tea treats.
- Cracker Spread: Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or homemade shortbread for dessert-like snacking.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Mousse: Whip with heavy cream and vanilla for an instant elegant dessert.
- Cupcake Frosting: Beat with butter and powdered sugar to create luscious cake frosting.
- Fruit Dip: Serve as a dip for fresh fruit, pretzels, or sugar cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Serving Temperature: Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving for optimal spreading consistency.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week. Stir gently before using if separation occurs.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or plastic bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and stir well before serving.
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.
Strawberry cream cheese is SOOOO good spread on ginger snaps for a snack or sweet appetizer.
Love your blog!!!
Thank you very much!
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!
I am loving your blog, so many great recipes. Come over to GrannyMountain for a visit when you have the time!