Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream
There’s something truly magical about making your own frosting, and when it comes to indulgent desserts, Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream takes the cake—literally! As I whipped up this luscious buttercream for a friend’s birthday cake, the sweet aroma of roasted strawberries wafted through the kitchen, instantly brightening my day. Each component seemed to come alive—the silky butter, the sweet sugar, and the vibrant berries all blended into a symphony of flavor. It’s moments like these, surrounded by good friends and sweet treats, that remind me why I love baking so much.
This buttercream is not just a frosting; it’s an experience. The recipe is a celebration of spring, drawing inspiration from the season’s freshest strawberries. Imagine biting into a slice of cake topped with this velvety cream, where the rich butter and the fruity notes of strawberries intertwine to create a delightful burst of flavor. Whether you’re decorating a specialty cake or dolloping it on cupcakes, Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream ensures your creations will be the star of the dessert table.
With a bit of patience and love, you can master the technique of making Italian buttercream, and it’s perfect for any celebration. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring a touch of sweetness into our lives with this incredible recipe that’s sure to impress!
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
15 mins
30 mins
Medium
300 kcal
1 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
18 g
Large Pot, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Whisk
The Best Thing About This Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream
It’s All About the Flavor
The first reason I adore this Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream is its incredible flavor. The roasting process intensifies the strawberry’s natural sweetness and adds a depth that is simply irresistible. Unlike typical frostings, this one has a fresh, fruity essence that pairs remarkably well with chocolate or vanilla cakes.
Versatile and Unique
Another reason this buttercream stands out is its versatility. You can use it on a variety of desserts, from layer cakes to cupcakes. It also works beautifully as a filling for cookies or pastries, making it a delightful choice for any sweet craving.
Texture that Wows
There’s something luxurious about Italian buttercream; it’s not just fluffy but also velvety. The texture is smooth, and it spreads effortlessly, which is key when you’re looking for that perfect finish on your cakes. Plus, it holds its shape exceptionally well, so you can create beautiful swirls and decorations without worry.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or just because, this buttercream elevates any occasion. Its vibrant color and fresh taste make your desserts look and feel special, ensuring they leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Easy to Make
Some might shy away from making buttercream due to the techniques involved, but this recipe is surprisingly straightforward. With a stand mixer and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of frosting that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. It’s all about taking your time and following the steps carefully.
Leftovers are a Treat!
If you have any leftover Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream, consider yourself lucky! It can be refrigerated for a few days and is amazing when re-whipped to restore its fluffiness. You can even use it to top off pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast!
Recipe Ingredients for Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream

The secret to a great buttercream lies in its ingredients. For Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream, each component plays a vital role in creating a balance of flavor and texture. The main stars are the rich unsalted butter and the sweet granulated sugar. Together, they form the creamy base, while the roasted strawberries and their juice provide natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor. Every ingredient contributes to a harmonious blend that promises to delight your taste buds.
- Granulated Sugar: 1½ cups (300 grams) – The foundation of sweetness in this buttercream, granulated sugar helps to create a smooth texture. It dissolves during cooking, allowing for the perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess.
- Roasted Strawberries Juice: ? cup (85 grams) – This juice, derived from delicious roasted strawberries, adds a vibrant flavor and moisture to the buttercream, making it uniquely fruity.
- Egg Whites: ? cup (160 grams) (about 5 large egg whites), room temperature – Essential for creating a stable meringue, egg whites help achieve that dreamy, fluffy texture characteristic of Italian buttercream.
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) – A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness, making the buttercream taste even more delicious.
- Cream of Tartar: ¼ teaspoon – This ingredient stabilizes the egg whites, ensuring the meringue holds its shape and doesn’t collapse during mixing.
- Unsalted Butter: 2 cups (454 grams), cubed and room temperature – The main ingredient that brings richness and creaminess to the buttercream; it contributes to the smooth and velvety texture.
- Vanilla Bean Paste: 2 teaspoons (12 grams) – This adds depth and a fragrant aroma, giving the buttercream a lovely vanilla note without overpowering the strawberries.
- Chopped Roasted Strawberries: 1¼ cups (284 grams) – Freshly roasted and chopped, these strawberries fold into the buttercream, giving it a delightful burst of color and flavor.
Recipe Directions for Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream

Making Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream is a rewarding process that comes with a few steps but is absolutely worth it. Follow these detailed instructions to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
- Begin by preparing your roasted strawberries. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread fresh strawberries on a baking sheet and roast them for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re soft and caramelized. This step enhances their flavor and brings out their natural sweetness.
- While the strawberries are roasting, combine granulated sugar and roasted strawberries juice in a medium saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Be careful not to splash the sides of the pan. Once it starts to boil, refrain from stirring and let it cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 240°F (116°C), which indicates the syrup is ready.
- In a separate bowl, add egg whites, kosher salt, and cream of tartar into the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the mixture at medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once your sugar syrup reaches the desired temperature, carefully pour it in a slow, steady stream between the side of the bowl and the whisk attachment while the mixer is on medium speed. This helps to ensure the sugar syrup doesn’t cook the egg whites too quickly.
- After pouring in the syrup, increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until you achieve stiff peaks. This process usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. The meringue should have a glossy finish and feel cool to the touch.
- Now, reduce the mixer speed to medium and begin adding the unsalted butter cubes, a few at a time. Initially, the mixture may appear loose or even broken, but don’t worry; it will come together if you keep beating it until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Next, add the vanilla bean paste and fold in the chopped roasted strawberries gently using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the buttercream.
- When your Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream is ready, you can use it immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes. Alternatively, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate if you plan to use it later. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Enjoy the beautiful texture and flavor of your homemade buttercream, and feel free to get creative with your frosting designs!
Things Worth Knowing
- Temperature Matters: Ensure the unsalted butter is at room temperature before adding it to the meringue. Cold butter can lead to a lumpy texture in the buttercream.
- Stabilizing Egg Whites: Beating the egg whites to the right consistency is crucial for a stable buttercream. Soft peaks should just hold their shape, while stiff peaks stand tall without collapsing.
- Watch the Syrup: When cooking the sugar syrup, pay close attention to the temperature. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend to ensure the syrup reaches the perfect stage for meringue.
- Folding Technique: When folding in the roasted strawberries, do it gently to maintain the light and fluffy texture of the buttercream.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover buttercream in the refrigerator, but always bring it back to room temperature and rewhip to restore its fluffiness before using.
Recipe Notes about Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream

Here are some essential tips for making the most out of your Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream.
- Storage: You can store leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Rewhipping: If your buttercream has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rewhipping to achieve a silky smooth texture.
- Using for Other Desserts: This buttercream isn’t just for cakes! Try using it as a filling for pastries or a topping for pancakes for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruit purees or flavorings in place of the roasted strawberries to create your unique buttercream.
- Temperature Control: If the buttercream separates or looks curdled, keep mixing! It usually comes back together with a bit more beating.
What to Pair With Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream
Choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic ideas for serving Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream:
- Chocolate Cake: Pair this buttercream with a rich chocolate cake for a delightful contrast of flavors. The sweetness of the buttercream complements the deep chocolate beautifully.
- Vanilla Cupcakes: Use this frosting to top classic vanilla cupcakes for a refreshing twist that adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Strawberry Shortcake: Enhance your strawberry shortcake by adding a layer of Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream for even more strawberry goodness.
- Seasonal Celebrations: This buttercream is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthday parties, or even as a special treat for holidays.
- Tea Parties: Serve this buttercream with delicate finger sandwiches and fruity tarts at your next tea party to impress your guests.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them properly and use them within a week for the best flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream is not just a topping; it’s an experience that enhances any dessert it graces. Every bite offers a delightful balance of sweet, fruity, and creamy, making it a show-stopping addition to your baking repertoire. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Trust me, once you make this buttercream, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!

Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preparing your roasted strawberries. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread fresh strawberries on a baking sheet and roast them for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re soft and caramelized.
- While the strawberries are roasting, combine granulated sugar and roasted strawberries juice in a medium saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Once it starts to boil, refrain from stirring and let it cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 240°F (116°C).
- In a separate bowl, add egg whites, kosher salt, and cream of tartar into the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the mixture at medium speed until soft peaks begin to form.
- Once your sugar syrup reaches the desired temperature, carefully pour it in a slow, steady stream between the side of the bowl and the whisk attachment while the mixer is on medium speed.
- After pouring in the syrup, increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until you achieve stiff peaks.
- Now, reduce the mixer speed to medium and begin adding the unsalted butter cubes, a few at a time, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Next, add the vanilla bean paste and fold in the chopped roasted strawberries gently using a spatula.
- When your Roasted Strawberry Italian Buttercream is ready, you can use it immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes.
- Enjoy the beautiful texture and flavor of your homemade buttercream!


