I made a silky cream cheese frosting swirled with a lightly cooked blueberry reduction for an irresistible balance of tangy and fruity sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how the fresh blueberries cook down into a vibrant and flavorful reduction—it brings out real blueberry taste without artificial colors or jam. The cream cheese and butter combo gives this frosting a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that still holds its shape. It feels special enough for gatherings but simple enough to whip up anytime.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup fresh blueberries
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 cup salted butter, softened
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16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8‑oz packages)
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5 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
directions
Blueberry Reduction
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I combine blueberries and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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I mash the berries gently and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens into a jam‑like paste.
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I remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature—sometimes I transfer it to a bowl and chill it faster in the fridge.
Frosting
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I beat the room‑temperature cream cheese and softened butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
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I mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
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Then I slowly add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until thick and smooth.
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Finally, I fold in the cooled blueberry reduction until it’s evenly swirled in.
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If it’s too thin, I add more powdered sugar. If too thick, I loosen it with a splash of milk or cream.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes or a single-layer 8-inch cake
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 50 minutes (includes cooling)
Variations
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I sometimes use frozen blueberries when I don’t have fresh on hand—they work just as well.
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A splash of lemon juice or almond extract gives it an extra dimension of flavor.
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When I want it a bit more vibrant, I add lemon zest to the reduction.
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If I only have unsalted butter, I toss in a pinch of salt to round out the taste.
storage/reheating
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Fridge: I store leftover frosting in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Before using again, I let it sit at room temperature and re-whip it.
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Freezer: I freeze it for up to 1 month. I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then give it a good stir or whip before using.
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I always keep any frosted baked goods in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it a day or two in advance. It keeps well in the fridge and whips back into shape easily.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Definitely. I just use them straight from the freezer and let them simmer a bit longer for the reduction.
How do I make the frosting more colorful?
The blueberries already give a natural purple-blue color, but if I want it bolder, I add a drop or two of food coloring.
Why did my frosting turn runny?
It could be from using warm blueberries or not letting the cream cheese soften properly. I always make sure both are fully cooled and at room temperature.
Can I control the sweetness?
Yes. I adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste. Less sugar gives a softer frosting, more makes it stiffer and sweeter.
Conclusion
This blueberry cream cheese frosting is a beautiful twist on a classic. The fruity reduction gives it a vibrant color and fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy base. Whether I’m topping cupcakes or filling a cake, this frosting never fails to impress.
Print
Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Silky cream cheese frosting swirled with a fresh blueberry reduction, offering a tangy and fruity sweetness perfect for cakes or cupcakes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8‑oz packages)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine blueberries and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Mash the berries gently and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens into a jam-like paste.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (transfer to a bowl and chill to speed up cooling).
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until thick and smooth.
- Fold in the cooled blueberry reduction until evenly incorporated.
- If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
Notes
- Frozen blueberries can be used directly from the freezer.
- Add lemon or almond extract for added brightness.
- Fold in lemon zest or candied peel for extra flavor and texture.
- If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
- Store in fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg