📝 About This Recipe
This luxurious spread captures the essence of a summer morning, blending the tart brightness of fresh strawberries with the silky richness of premium cream cheese. Unlike store-bought versions, this artisanal recipe utilizes a quick homemade strawberry reduction to ensure a deep, concentrated fruit flavor without making the spread watery. It is an elegant addition to any brunch table, offering a perfect balance of floral honey notes and a hint of bright citrus zest.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fruit Base
- 1.5 cups Fresh Strawberries (hulled and finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (to macerate the berries)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
The Creamy Foundation
- 16 ounces Cream Cheese (two full-fat blocks, softened to room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened for extra silkiness)
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (high quality Madagascar vanilla preferred)
- 1/8 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest (finely grated)
Texture & Garnish
- 1/4 cup Freeze-Dried Strawberries (crushed into a coarse powder for intense color)
- 2-3 sprigs Fresh Mint (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a small saucepan, combine the diced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the fruit.
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2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently, lightly mashing some berries with a fork, until the liquid has reduced to a thick, jam-like syrup.
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3
Remove the strawberry reduction from the heat and transfer it to a small bowl. Place it in the refrigerator to cool completely; this is vital to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
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4
In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and softened butter. It is essential they are truly at room temperature to ensure a lump-free consistency.
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5
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and airy.
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6
Sift the powdered sugar into the bowl to ensure no clumps remain. Add the vanilla extract, sea salt, and lemon zest.
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7
Mix on low speed until the sugar is incorporated, then increase to medium and beat for another minute until the mixture looks like frosting.
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8
Retrieve the cooled strawberry reduction from the fridge. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Do not over-mix if you want beautiful pink swirls.
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9
Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries. These act as 'flavor sponges,' absorbing any excess moisture and providing a punch of concentrated strawberry flavor.
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10
Taste the spread. If you prefer it sweeter, add one additional tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time.
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11
Transfer the spread to a decorative serving bowl or a glass jar. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
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12
For the best flavor development, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the fruit sugars to meld with the fats in the cheese.
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13
Before serving, let the spread sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading.
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14
Garnish with a few slices of fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint for a professional, bakery-style presentation.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use full-fat brick cream cheese; the 'whipped' tub variety or low-fat versions contain too much air and moisture, leading to a runny spread. If your strawberries aren't very sweet, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the reduction process for a more floral depth. To achieve a perfectly smooth texture, ensure your butter and cream cheese have sat out for at least 2 hours before mixing. For a chunkier texture, reserve a few tablespoons of the fresh diced strawberries (un-simmered) and fold them in at the very end. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; give it a quick stir before re-serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Slather generously over toasted sourdough or warm, honey-wheat bagels for a classic breakfast. Serve as a dip with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or pretzel thins for a sweet and salty snack. Use as a filling for crepes or stuffed French toast, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. Pair with a glass of chilled Prosecco or a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat. Spread onto thin slices of toasted brioche and top with a basil leaf for a unique dessert bruschetta.