Strawberry (or Cherry) Cream Cheese Buttercream

or 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened (or 1 stick salted & 1 stick unsalted)

(8-ounce/226 grams) package cream cheese, such as Philadelphia®, chilled from the fridge

pure vanilla extract, such as Nielsen-Massey®

to 4½ cups (480 to 540 grams) confectioners’ sugar, spooned in cup, leveled off & sifted

to 2½ cups (36 to 45 grams) freeze-dried strawberries or cherries, such as Karen's Naturals, pulverized, about 6 to 8 tablespoons, see Tips below in the Notes section

Heavy cream, to thin buttercream to desired consistency