Sweet, silky, and bursting with berry flavor, this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting is everything a cupcake dreams of. Whether you’re icing a chocolate cake or swirling it onto vanilla cupcakes, this frosting delivers an elegant finish and a fruity punch in every bite.

What makes this buttercream so special is the use of real raspberries, which not only lend their vibrant pink hue but also infuse the frosting with natural tartness to balance out the sweetness. It’s luscious, smooth, and pipes beautifully for a bakery-style finish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
This frosting isn’t just a pretty face. It’s packed with raspberry flavor, has a creamy, dreamy texture, and holds its shape beautifully. You’ll love how it elevates simple cakes, cupcakes, or sandwich cookies into show-stopping treats. Plus, it’s naturally tinted by the raspberries—no food coloring needed!
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Raspberries for Buttercream?
You can use either, but frozen raspberries are often more convenient and available year-round. Just make sure to cook them down and strain out the seeds before adding them to your frosting. This keeps the texture smooth while delivering that vibrant fruit flavor.
Ingredients for the Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
Every component in this frosting plays a key role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, it creates the rich, creamy base.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and structure, giving the frosting body and stability.
Raspberries: Fresh or frozen, cooked and strained. They infuse the buttercream with pure berry flavor and natural color.
Vanilla Extract: A dash rounds out the tartness with warm, mellow notes.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
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 until they break apart and become syrupy. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and let cool completely.
Step 2: Cream the Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth and airy base.
Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 4: Incorporate Raspberry Puree
Slowly add the cooled raspberry puree one tablespoon at a time, beating until fully incorporated. You can adjust the amount based on color and flavor intensity.
Step 5: Finish with Vanilla and Salt
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and ready to pipe.

How to Store and Serve Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
This frosting is perfect for piping onto cakes, cupcakes, or cookies and can be made ahead. It feeds 12 to 18 cupcakes depending on how generous your swirls are.
Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using. It can also be frozen for up to a month.
What to Serve With Raspberry Buttercream Frosting?
Chocolate Cupcakes
The deep cocoa notes pair wonderfully with the bright tartness of raspberries.
Vanilla Layer Cake
Simple and elegant, a vanilla base lets the berry flavor shine.
Raspberry Macarons
Use it as a filling for delicate sandwich cookies.
Lemon Cupcakes
Add a zesty contrast to your frosting with a lemony base.
Brownie Bites
Top fudgy bites with a rosette of this frosting for an instant upgrade.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches
Spread between cookies for a fruity twist on a classic treat.
Almond Cake
Raspberries and almonds are a flavor match made in dessert heaven.
Want More Frosting Ideas?
If you’re loving this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting, here are a few more frosting and sweet treat ideas worth trying:
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for another fruity and decadent dessert.
- Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake with even more berry-chocolate bliss.
- Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for an easy, elegant bite.
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies that pair beautifully with fruity buttercreams.
- Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie for a nutty, creamy contrast.
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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with fresh berries or frozen? Try any fun pairings?
I love hearing how others bring these recipes to life in their own kitchens. Ask away if you have questions—we’re here to bake better, together.
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Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–18 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking to add a luscious berry twist to your cakes and cupcakes? This Raspberry Buttercream Frosting is the perfect finishing touch. With its naturally vibrant color and tangy-sweet flavor from real raspberries, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to for elegant desserts. Whether you’re decorating for a birthday or just want a quick frosting fix, this one whips up in minutes and delivers bakery-quality results. Perfect for piping, spreading, or sandwiching between cookies—add this to your collection of quick dessert ideas, party treats, and everyday baking favorites.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, cook the raspberries over medium heat until they break down into a thick puree.
2. Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Let it cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the cooled raspberry puree one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
7. Beat for another 1–2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Notes
For best color and texture, use strained raspberry puree that’s fully cooled before adding it to the buttercream.
If the frosting is too soft, add a little more powdered sugar or chill it slightly before piping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake with frosting
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
