Real Strawberry Frosting

1 cup fresh strawberries

1 cup butter

1 cup confectioners sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ½ cups confectioners sugar, sifted, divided

Place strawberries in a blender; puree until smooth.

Transfer strawberry puree to a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring often, until puree is reduced by at least half, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Beat butter with an electric mixer in a bowl until light and fluffy.

Beat 1 cup confectioners sugar into butter until just blended.

Beat 2 tablespoons strawberry puree and vanilla extract into butter mixture until just blended.

Repeat with 1 cup confectioners sugar, followed by 2 tablespoons strawberry puree two more times.

Beat last 1/2 cup confectioners sugar into mixture until just blended.