Frosting, oh frosting! It’s the ultimate magic wand in the baking world, isn’t it? I mean, you can take a simple cake or cupcake and BAM! With a swirl of the right frosting, you’ve got a masterpiece. And let me tell you, this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting? It’s pure enchantment. I remember the first time I made it for my niece’s birthday – she practically licked the bowl clean! What I love most is how easy it is to whip up and that vibrant, fresh raspberry flavor? Unbeatable. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be putting it on everything!
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
- It’s seriously easy to make – even I can’t mess it up!
- That tangy raspberry flavor? Oh my goodness!
- Perfect for dressing up cakes AND cupcakes (or, you know, eating straight from the spoon!).
- You can tweak the sweetness to your heart’s content.
- And the color? Absolutely gorgeous!
Quick and Easy to Make
Seriously, you can whip this up faster than you can say “raspberry”! No complicated steps, no fancy equipment needed. Just a few ingredients and you’re golden!
Bursting with Raspberry Flavor
We’re not talking fakey, artificial raspberry here. This is the REAL DEAL! That pure raspberry puree gives it the most amazing, authentic taste. My favorite part is that it’s not *too* sweet.
Perfect for Cakes and Cupcakes
Whether you’re frosting a fancy layer cake or just want to add a little something special to your cupcakes, this raspberry buttercream is the answer. It’s so versatile!
Ingredients for Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (that’s 2 sticks!) of unsalted butter, but make sure it’s softened. Trust me, rock-hard butter is NOT your friend here.
- 3 cups of powdered sugar. I like to sift mine just to get rid of any lumps.
- 1/4 cup of raspberry puree. You can use fresh or frozen raspberries for this!
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – because everything’s better with vanilla!
- And finally, 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Whole milk is my go-to, but use whatever you’ve got!

How to Prepare Raspberry Buttercream Frosting: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, are you ready to make some magic? This Raspberry Buttercream Frosting is so simple, I promise you can’t mess it up (but if you do, hey, that’s what taste-testing is for!). Let’s get started!
Cream the Butter
First things first, you have to make sure that butter is nice and soft. I’m talking, leave it out on the counter for a good hour or two kinda soft. Then, just beat it with your mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This is key – don’t skip this step!
Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
Now, grab that powdered sugar and add it in, like, one cup at a time. Don’t dump it all in at once or you’ll have a sugary cloud all over your kitchen (oops, been there!). Beat it well after each addition.
Incorporate Raspberry Puree and Vanilla
Time for the good stuff! Pour in that raspberry puree and vanilla extract. Now, sometimes the puree can make the frosting look a little curdled. Don’t panic! Just keep mixing, and it’ll come together. Promise!

Adjust Consistency
Is your frosting too thick? No problem! Just add milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s the consistency you want. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Whip for Lightness
Alright, crank that mixer up to high and whip it good! This is what makes the frosting super light and airy. Whip it for a good 2-3 minutes and you’ll see it transform before your eyes. Get ready for some amazing Raspberry Buttercream Frosting!
Tips for the Best Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but let’s talk about how to make this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting *amazing*. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and I’m happy to share!
Using Freeze-Dried Raspberries
Want even MORE raspberry flavor? Grind up some freeze-dried raspberries into a powder and add it to the frosting! Trust me, it’s a game-changer! For more baking tips, check out these recipes.
Preventing Curdling
Curdling got you down? Make sure your butter isn’t too warm. Also, add the raspberry puree slowly. If it *does* curdle, just keep mixing – it’ll usually come back together!
Achieving the Right Consistency
Too thick? Add a bit more milk. Too thin? Add more powdered sugar. Also, humidity can play a part! You might need to adjust the liquids depending on the weather.
Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Raspberry Buttercream Frosting, but why stop there? Let’s get crazy and try some fun variations! I love experimenting with different flavors, and these are some of my absolute faves.
Lemon Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
A little lemon zest? Oh, it just brightens everything up! Trust me, lemon and raspberry are a match made in heaven. You might also like this key lime cake.
Chocolate Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
Okay, chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! Just add a bit of cocoa powder, and BAM! Chocolate Raspberry Buttercream Frosting!
Pink Ombre Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
Want to get fancy? Divide the frosting and add different amounts of raspberry puree to each, creating a gorgeous pink ombre effect on your cake or cupcakes. So pretty!

Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about making Raspberry Buttercream Frosting. Don’t worry, I’ve been there, so let’s get you sorted!
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen raspberries for the puree, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Nobody wants watery frosting, right? Then, just blend them up like you would with fresh berries. Easy peasy!
How do I store leftover frosting?
Leftover Raspberry Buttercream Frosting? If you have any (ha!), just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature and re-whip it before using, to get that fluffy texture back.
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yep! Making this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting ahead of time is totally doable. Just whip it up, store it in the fridge like I mentioned, and then let it soften and re-whip it before you need it. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for your Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
So, you’ve got leftover Raspberry Buttercream Frosting? Lucky you! Just stash it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it again, let it come to room temperature. It might look a little sad, but don’t worry! Just give it a good re-whip with your mixer, and it’ll be good as new!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so you wanna know the skinny on this Raspberry Buttercream Frosting? A 2-tablespoon serving is roughly 150 calories. But hey, remember that these are just estimates! It can vary a bit. For more information on nutritional estimates, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s FoodData Central.
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Luscious Raspberry Buttercream Frosting in Just 4 Steps
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and tangy raspberry buttercream frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup raspberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream, if needed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the raspberry puree and vanilla extract.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Beat the frosting on high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes.
Notes
- For a stronger raspberry flavor, use freeze-dried raspberries ground into a powder.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg