Homemade Strawberry Cream Cheese Recipe – Easy Copycat Philadelphia Style

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.

strawberry cream cheese spread on a bagel

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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
cream cheese and strawberries in syrup

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

  1. Thaw strawberries.
  2. Drain the liquid from the strawberries. You will only use the liquid for this recipe.
    juice from frozen strawberries in syrup in a measuring cup
  3. Cut cream cheese into large cubes.
  4. Place cream cheese cubes into the bowl of a food processor.
  5. Pour the strawberry liquid over the cream cheese.
    cubed cream cheese and strawberry juice in a food processor
  6. Pulse until the cream cheese and strawberry liquid are well combined.
    homemade strawberry cream cheese in a food processor

Serve this delicious homemade strawberry cream cheese spread with toasted bagels. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container when not using.

homemade strawberry cream cheese on a bagel and fresh strawberries

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.
homemade strawberry cream cheese in a jar

Love strawberries? Try these recipes!

Favorite DIY Recipes

Check out more of my easy recipes for dips, sauces, and spreads and the best DIY recipes here on CopyKat!

strawberry cream cheese spread on a bagel

Strawberry Cream Cheese like Philadelphia

Make delicious strawberry cream cheese at home with just two ingredients. This copycat recipe tastes better than store-bought versions.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cream Cheese, Strawberry Cream Cheese, Strawberry recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 108kcal

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 â…“ 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 20.9mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.3mg

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

REVEALED: Copycat Secrets for 2025

free email bonus

Yes, you CAN make it at home! I'll show you how.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Claire

    5 stars
    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!

5 from 3 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




homemade Olive Garden Asiago Torgelloni Alfredo with chicken on a plate

Copycat Recipe Secrets for 2025

REVEALED:

Yes, you CAN make it at home! 
I'll show you how.

FREE EMAIL BONUS