Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

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Smooth, fluffy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting is the showstopper your cakes and cupcakes have been waiting for. Whether you’re topping a vanilla bean layer cake or filling macarons, this frosting brings both beauty and taste in every swirl.

Made with real raspberries, this buttercream achieves a naturally vibrant pink color and a bright, fruity flavor without relying on artificial dyes or flavorings. It strikes that perfect balance of rich and creamy with a fresh tang, making it ideal for spring and summer desserts or any time you want a pop of color.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

This frosting isn’t just beautiful to look at, it’s genuinely delicious. It pairs well with a wide variety of cake flavors from lemon and vanilla to chocolate and almond. You’ll love how easily it pipes onto cupcakes and how smoothly it spreads on layer cakes. Plus, the flavor of real raspberries is unmistakable and elevates any dessert you use it with.

Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely. While fresh raspberries offer a brighter flavor, frozen ones work just as well and are available year-round. Just be sure to cook them down and strain out the seeds to get a smooth, seedless puree before incorporating into your buttercream.

Ingredients for the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

The magic of this frosting starts with quality ingredients that work in harmony to create a silky, flavorful result.

Unsalted Butter
Room temperature butter forms the creamy base, giving structure and richness to the frosting.

Powdered Sugar
Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this sweetens the buttercream and provides the perfect fluffy texture.

Raspberries
Whether fresh or frozen, raspberries are cooked down into a puree to add both vibrant color and real fruit flavor.

Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla enhances the raspberry flavor and rounds out the sweetness.

Salt
Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the fruit’s brightness.

How To Make the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Make the Raspberry Puree

In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook down 1 cup of raspberries (fresh or frozen) until they break down and release juices. Simmer until slightly thickened, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Beat the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until pale and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes and creates the airy foundation for the frosting.

Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add 3-4 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well between each addition. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Mix in Raspberry Puree

Add the cooled raspberry puree slowly, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until fully combined. Stop once your desired color and flavor is achieved. You may not need the entire amount.

Step 5: Add Flavor Enhancers

Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat again for a final whip to make it ultra smooth.

How to Store and Serve Raspberry Buttercream Frosting

This recipe makes enough frosting for 12-15 cupcakes or a two-layer 8-inch cake. Serve it at room temperature to enjoy its full creamy texture. If you make it ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Before using, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then re-whip with a mixer to restore fluffiness. You can also freeze the frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then re-whip.

What to Serve With Raspberry Buttercream Frosting?

Vanilla Bean Cupcakes

The light flavor of vanilla cupcakes lets the raspberry frosting shine beautifully.

Chocolate Cake

Dark chocolate and raspberries are a classic pairing that feels indulgent yet fresh.

Lemon Cake

Bright lemon cake and fruity raspberry frosting create a zesty, spring-like combination.

Sugar Cookies

Use this buttercream as a topping for soft sugar cookies for a colorful and tasty twist.

Raspberry Macarons

Take raspberry-on-raspberry to the next level with this as a filling.

Brownie Bites

Top rich, fudgy brownie bites with a swirl of frosting for an easy gourmet treat.

Almond Cupcakes

Nutty almond flavor and berry sweetness complement each other perfectly.

Want More Frosting Ideas?

If you love this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting, you’ll probably enjoy these other creamy favorites:

• Creamy Corn Dip for a savory surprise twist at your next party.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream if you’re into refreshing dessert combos.
• Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake when you’re craving more berry inspiration.
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake for a rich and nutty pairing idea.
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles to explore other fruity, creamy delights.

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 or frozen raspberries? Did you pair it with lemon cake or something chocolatey?

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 Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Raspberry Buttercream Frosting is one of those versatile recipes you’ll turn to again and again. Whether it’s for a birthday cake or a sweet weekend baking project, it never fails to impress. The balance of fruity tang and creamy sweetness is a dream combination that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

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