Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

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Raspberry buttercream frosting is the dreamiest way to top off any dessert with fruity flair. It blends the delicate tartness of fresh raspberries with the creamy richness of whipped butter, giving every bite a pop of berry brightness. Whether you’re frosting a layered chocolate cake, swirling it onto cupcakes, or sandwiching it between cookies, this frosting brings a bakery-level touch to homemade treats.

What makes this raspberry buttercream stand out is its flavor balance. It doesn’t hide behind sugar. Instead, the raspberries shine through, creating a natural color and a tangy, sweet finish that doesn’t overpower. Plus, its smooth texture pipes like a dream and holds up beautifully at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

This frosting delivers on both beauty and taste. You get a vivid, naturally pink color without food coloring, and the flavor feels fresh rather than artificial. It’s a versatile topping that works with vanilla, lemon, chocolate, almond… pretty much any base you throw at it. You can even make it dairy-free by subbing in plant-based butter.

You’ll also love how easy it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a mixer, you’ll have a fluffy frosting that’s ready to elevate your next dessert.

Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries?

Both fresh and frozen raspberries work beautifully here. The key is to reduce them on the stove to remove excess water, creating a raspberry puree that won’t thin out your buttercream. Fresh raspberries are ideal when in season, but frozen ones are just as flavorful and convenient.

Ingredients for the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

What makes raspberry buttercream so vibrant and flavorful are a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a big role in taste, texture, and consistency. You likely have most of these already in your kitchen.

• Unsalted butter: The creamy base of your frosting. Softened butter gives structure and richness.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the frosting into a pipeable texture.
• Raspberries: The star flavor. Reduced into a thick puree, they bring vibrant color and real fruit flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the berry flavor and adds a warm note.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and elevate the raspberry zing.

How To Make the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Make the Raspberry Puree

Add fresh or frozen raspberries to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the berries break down and become syrupy. This should take about 10 minutes. Once done, press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and cool the thickened puree completely.

Step 2: Beat the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer on high for 3-5 minutes until pale and fluffy. This step is key to achieving that airy buttercream texture.

Step 3: Add the Sugar

Gradually add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well between each addition. Start on low speed to prevent sugar clouds, then increase to high until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix in the Raspberry Puree

Add in your cooled raspberry puree a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the desired flavor and color are achieved. You may not need the entire batch, so add slowly.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Mix in vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt. Beat the frosting one final time until it’s smooth, fluffy, and ready to use.

How to Store and Serve Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

This recipe makes enough to generously frost 12 cupcakes or cover a single 9-inch cake. If you’re piping tall swirls or layering multiple cakes, you might want to double it.

You can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before using. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip.

It’s ready to use right after making and holds up well for hours, making it perfect for parties or events.

What to Serve With Raspberry Buttercream Frosting?

Chocolate Cake

The tart brightness of raspberries pairs beautifully with deep, rich chocolate for a luxurious combo.

Lemon Cupcakes

Tangy lemon and raspberry create a zingy, fresh flavor perfect for spring and summer.

Vanilla Layer Cake

A classic base like vanilla allows the raspberry flavor to shine through.

Almond Cookies

Use this frosting to sandwich soft almond cookies for a nutty and fruity delight.

Macarons

Raspberry buttercream is a dreamy macaron filling, especially when paired with pistachio or white chocolate shells.

Brownies

Pipe or spread a thick layer over brownies for a fruity, creamy twist on a dense chocolate base.

Angel Food Cake

Light and airy cake plus the berry kick of buttercream equals heaven.

Want More Frosting Ideas with Fruity Flavor?

If you can’t get enough of bright, fruit-inspired frostings, check out these favorites:

• Easy Jello Meringue Cookies for a crunchy, tangy bite.
• Homemade Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream for lemony frozen bliss.
• Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls with a surprise nutty-sweet filling.
• Easy Banana Cream Pie that pairs perfectly with raspberry drizzle.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for another dreamy fruit-meets-cream combo.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh berries or frozen? Add extra vanilla or play with a citrus twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Raspberry buttercream frosting is the perfect balance of fruity, fluffy, and fabulous. It’s simple to make, endlessly versatile, and elevates everything from birthday cakes to casual cookies. Once you whip it up, you’ll want to put it on everything.

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