Let’s talk frosting. Not just any frosting—but that tangy-sweet, velvet-smooth kind that makes you want to lick the beaters clean before you even get to the cake. This blueberry cream cheese frosting? It’s that frosting.
Whether you’re dressing up cupcakes, layering a lemon cake, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the bowl (no judgment here!), this recipe is the perfect fusion of rich cream cheese and vibrant blueberries. And once you’ve tried it, you may never go back to plain vanilla again.
But this isn’t just about flavor. It’s about balance—sweet meets tart, creamy meets fresh—and a pop of natural color that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is spoon-licking good.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries 300g
- 3 tablespoons sugar 45g
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- finely grated zest from 1 medium lemon
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened, 454g
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113g, at room temperature
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar 270g
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt or sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently and gently smashing some of the blueberries as they soften.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and the cornstarch becomes translucent, about 5–8 minutes.
- Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. To cool faster, use an ice bath or prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Gently fold the cooled blueberry sauce into the cream cheese frosting. Mix until you reach your desired texture.
- For a smooth, evenly tinted frosting, mix thoroughly. For a more rustic look with blueberry pieces, mix less.
- If the frosting is too soft to spread, refrigerate briefly to firm up. Then spread over your favorite cake or cupcakes.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
What makes this blueberry cream cheese frosting so unforgettable? It’s simple:
- Real blueberries bring natural color and antioxidants
- A hint of lemon zest brightens the whole batch
- It pairs beautifully with everything from vanilla cupcakes to lemon loaf
- You control the texture—smooth and uniform or rustic with juicy blueberry bits
And best of all? It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
Let’s dive in.
Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries (300g)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (45g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Finely grated zest from 1 medium lemon
- 16 ounces cream cheese (454g), softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113g), at room temperature
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar (270g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt or sea salt
Instructions:
1. Make the Blueberry Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, and gently smash the berries as they soften. In about 5–8 minutes, the mixture should thicken and become glossy.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. (Shortcut: Set the pan in an ice bath to cool it faster!)
2. Make the Cream Cheese Base
In a large bowl, add softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free.
3. Combine
Fold the cooled blueberry sauce into your frosting base. Mix thoroughly for a uniform purple color, or gently stir for beautiful blueberry swirls and texture.
4. Chill if Needed
Too soft? Pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. It’ll firm up perfectly for piping or spreading.
How to Use It
This frosting is a dream on:
- Lemon cupcakes
- Vanilla or white layer cakes
- Blueberry muffins (yep, even breakfast!)
- Pancakes, toast, or cinnamon rolls
- And let’s not forget spoonfuls straight from the fridge…
Looking for the perfect pairing? Try it on this bright and buttery Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake for an unforgettable flavor combo.
Answering the Frosting Questions You Didn’t Know You Had
How do you add more flavor to cream cheese frosting?
Simple: balance and contrast. While cream cheese already brings tanginess, layering in fruit (like blueberries or strawberries), zest (hello lemon or orange), or extracts (vanilla, almond, or maple) can deepen and round out the flavor. Salt, even in small amounts, is the unsung hero here—it sharpens and enhances all the other ingredients.
For more inspiration, our Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe shows how cocoa and butter transform a basic base into something craveable.
What is the secret ingredient that will improve your frosting?
Ready for it? It’s lemon zest.
Lemon zest doesn’t overwhelm or shout—it whispers brightness into the mix. It balances the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of powdered sugar with a light, citrusy edge. And in fruit-based frostings like this one, it amplifies the berry flavor in a way that’s subtle yet totally game-changing.
Want even more of a flavor lift? Use a splash of lemon juice in the berry sauce to intensify the brightness.
What are the ingredients in Philadelphia blueberry cream cheese?
Philadelphia’s blueberry cream cheese is typically made with pasteurized milk and cream, blueberries, sugar, pectin, natural flavoring, and salt.
Our homemade version uses real, whole blueberries (you can even use organic), freshly grated lemon zest, and far fewer additives. It’s richer, fresher, and customizable—like swapping in maple syrup for sugar or using vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
And let’s be real: it tastes ten times better.
What’s the difference between cream cheese frosting and icing?
Think of frosting as thick, spreadable, and rich—made with fat like butter or cream cheese. It’s your go-to for cake layers, cupcakes, or piping flowers.
Icing, on the other hand, is thinner and glossier—typically made with powdered sugar and a liquid like milk or lemon juice. It’s pourable and often used for drizzling over cookies, donuts, or pound cakes.
This blueberry cream cheese frosting is most definitely a frosting—thick, plush, and designed to hold its shape. (Though we won’t stop you from sneaking some onto cinnamon rolls either.)
A Note on Freshness
Blueberries don’t just bring color—they bring health benefits too. They’re packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a delicious way to boost wellness. According to Healthline, blueberries can improve heart health, brain function, and digestion.
So go ahead. Swirl that vibrant purple frosting on everything.
Flavor Variations & Tips for Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these twists:
- Berry Swap: Use blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries instead of blueberries. Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of your fruit.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Choose cornstarch or arrowroot powder for the thickener.
- Super Smooth Finish: Strain the berry sauce through a fine mesh sieve before folding it into the frosting if you prefer a completely smooth texture.
- Pipe Like a Pro: Chill the frosting for 15–30 minutes before piping if you’re decorating cupcakes. It holds shape beautifully once slightly firmed.
Need a dessert idea that pairs like a dream? Try it with our decadent Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake. The double berry flavor combo is next-level.
How to Store Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Give it a quick whip before using again.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip before spreading or piping.
Let’s Get Social About Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting💬
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Facebook or Pinterest so we can drool over your blueberry masterpieces.
And don’t forget to pin this frosting for later—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Final Thoughts
Blueberry cream cheese frosting isn’t just a flavor upgrade—it’s a mood. A soft pastel purple cloud of fruit-kissed, tangy-sweet deliciousness. It elevates every dessert it touches, looks stunning with minimal effort, and—best of all—tastes just as good as it looks.
Next time you’re frosting a cake or baking for a crowd (or, hey, yourself), reach for blueberries. You’ll never regret it.