Description

Craving a frosting that’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with vibrant fruit flavor? What if you could elevate your cakes or cupcakes with a luscious, homemade blueberry cream cheese frosting in just a few steps? Say hello to Fresh Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting! This delightful topping combines a rich cream cheese base with a fresh blueberry sauce, infused with lemon zest for a bright, zesty kick.

Ingredients

The magic of Fresh Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting lies in its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Fresh Blueberries (2 cups, 300g): Provide a vibrant, natural flavor and color for the sauce.
Granulated Sugar (3 tbsp, 45g): Sweetens the blueberry sauce, balancing its tartness.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the blueberry sauce for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Finely Grated Lemon Zest (from 1 medium lemon): Adds a bright, citrusy note to enhance the blueberries.
Cream Cheese (16 oz, 454g, softened): Creates a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup, 1 stick, 113g, room temperature): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar (2¼ cups, 270g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a pipeable texture.
Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet note.
Kosher Salt or Sea Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Blueberries: Use frozen blueberries (thawed and drained) or other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor.
Sugar: Replace with honey or maple syrup in the sauce, adjusting to taste (note a slightly thinner sauce).
Cornstarch: Substitute with 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for a similar thickening effect.
Lemon Zest: Swap with orange zest or omit for a simpler blueberry flavor.
Cream Cheese: Use low-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese, noting a softer texture.
Butter: Substitute with vegan butter or margarine for a dairy-free version.
Powdered Sugar: Reduce to 2 cups for a less sweet frosting, or use a sugar-free alternative (adjust texture as needed).
Add-Ins: Mix in ½ tsp almond extract for a nutty note or ¼ cup crushed freeze-dried blueberries for extra intensity.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and ensure the sugar and cornstarch are vegan-friendly.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Blueberry Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups fresh blueberries, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and the finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and gently smashing some of the blueberries as they soften, until the sauce thickens and the cornstarch becomes translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 30–45 minutes. To speed up cooling, place the saucepan in an ice bath, stirring occasionally, or make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Tip: Smash about half the blueberries for a chunky texture, or blend the sauce after cooling for a smoother consistency.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium speed to beat 16 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup room-temperature unsalted butter, 2¼ cups powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher or sea salt until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Scrape down the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Tip: Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to avoid lumps, and sift powdered sugar for a silky texture.
Fold in the Blueberry Sauce:
- Gently fold the cooled blueberry sauce into the cream cheese frosting using a spatula, mixing until the desired texture is achieved. For a chunkier frosting, fold lightly to retain blueberry pieces; for a smoother frosting, mix more thoroughly to break down the berries.
- Tip: Add the sauce gradually and taste as you go to balance the blueberry intensity, reserving extra sauce for drizzling if desired.
Adjust and Chill (if Needed):
- If the frosting is too soft for spreading or piping, refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to firm up slightly, stirring before use.
- Tip: Avoid over-chilling, as the frosting may become too firm; aim for a spreadable, creamy consistency.
Frost and Serve:
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto your favorite cooled cake (e.g., vanilla, lemon, or chocolate) or cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag.
- Optionally garnish with fresh blueberries, lemon zest curls, or white chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate the frosted dessert until ready to enjoy.
- Tip: For clean piping, chill the frosting briefly and use a star tip for elegant swirls.