Delicious Raspberry Buttercream

Craving a frosting that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Look no further than this incredibly smooth and vibrant Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting. Forget artificial colors and flavors – this recipe harnesses the natural tartness and gorgeous hue of freeze-dried raspberries, perfectly balanced with the tangy richness of cream cheese and a hint of bright lemon zest. With just five simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you’ll be whipping up a batch of this dreamy frosting in no time, ready to elevate your cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more!

If you’ve been searching for that perfect fruity frosting that tastes as good as it looks, this Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting is your ultimate answer. Its luscious texture and natural pastel pink color make it an ideal topping for any dessert, from elegant layer cakes to casual cupcakes. The secret to its intense raspberry flavor lies in finely ground freeze-dried raspberries, which infuse every bite with genuine fruit essence without adding excess moisture. A touch of fresh lemon zest further brightens the profile, creating a truly unforgettable experience. We’ve included detailed tips, process photos, and a complete recipe card to help you easily make this delightful frosting. If you love a fruity frosting, you absolutely must try this one, or perhaps our creamy blueberry frosting for another delightful berry option.

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

This isn’t just another frosting recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who adores the sweet and tart notes of fresh raspberries. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, making your desserts truly special:

• Naturally Delicious: Say goodbye to artificial colors and flavorings! The stunning vibrant pink hue and authentic raspberry taste come entirely from real freeze-dried raspberries, giving you a beautiful and wholesome dessert topping.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor Profile: The delightful tang of cream cheese beautifully complements the sweetness of the powdered sugar and the concentrated tartness of the raspberries. A hint of fresh lemon zest adds a bright, zesty counterpoint, creating a harmonious and addictive flavor.
• Incredibly Versatile: This frosting is perfect for so many applications. Use it to crown your favorite vanilla or lemon layer cakes, pipe it onto celebratory cupcakes, fill delicate macarons, spread it over brownies, or even use it as a filling for cookies. The possibilities are endless!
• Simple to Make: With just five common, readily available ingredients and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, even beginner bakers can achieve professional-looking and tasting results without any fuss.
• Super Creamy and Smooth Texture: When made correctly, this frosting boasts an irresistibly smooth, fluffy, and pipeable consistency. It holds its shape beautifully for intricate decorations while melting deliciously in your mouth.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Crafting the ultimate raspberry cream cheese frosting begins with understanding the role each quality ingredient plays in achieving that rich flavor and luxurious texture:

• Cream Cheese: It’s crucial to use full-fat block cream cheese, not the lighter or spreadable varieties found in tubs. Block cream cheese provides the essential structure and a richer, tangier depth to your frosting. Always ensure it’s softened to true room temperature for a smooth, lump-free consistency that blends seamlessly.
• Unsalted Butter: High-quality unsalted butter is vital for both richness and creating a stable, fluffy emulsion. Just like the cream cheese, the butter must be at ideal room temperature – soft enough to make an indent with your finger but not melted or greasy. This temperature parity is key for a successful frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This very fine sugar dissolves effortlessly, ensuring your frosting has a silky-smooth finish without any grittiness. Always take the extra step to sift it, as powdered sugar often contains small lumps that can negatively affect the final texture.
• Freeze-Dried Raspberries: These are the true stars of this frosting! Freeze-dried raspberries deliver an intense, concentrated raspberry flavor and a gorgeous natural pink color without introducing any excess moisture that fresh berries would. Grinding them into a fine powder is essential for smooth incorporation and flavor distribution. You can typically find freeze-dried fruits in the snack aisle, with other dried fruits, or easily order them online from various retailers.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of fresh lemon zest is a secret weapon here. It provides a bright, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness of the butter and cream cheese and beautifully enhances the vibrant, fruity notes of the raspberries. Don’t skip this ingredient for that extra pop of flavor and freshness!

Expert Tips for Achieving Flawless Raspberry Frosting

Creating a truly magnificent raspberry cream cheese frosting is simple when you follow these tried-and-true guidelines. These expert tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your frosting is smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor every single time. For another delicious option, you might also like to try our chocolate cream cheese frosting.

• Tip 1: Ensure All Dairy is at Perfect Room Temperature: This is arguably the most crucial step for cream cheese frosting! Both your cream cheese and unsalted butter must be at the exact same, ideal room temperature. If one is significantly colder than the other, the fats won’t emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy, split, or curdled frosting. To achieve this, take them out of the refrigerator at least 1-2 hours before you plan to start baking. They should be soft enough to indent easily with a finger, but not melted or greasy. Consistency is key for a smooth blend.
• Tip 2: Beat Butter and Cream Cheese Separately for Best Texture: To achieve that incredibly light and fluffy texture, begin by beating the softened butter alone on high speed for at least 2 minutes. This aerates the butter, making it pale and exceptionally creamy. After the butter is whipped, add the room temperature cream cheese and beat for just 1 minute until it’s well combined and smooth. Avoid overmixing once the cream cheese is added, as this can make the frosting too thin. Remember to frequently scrape down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and no unmixed chunks remain.
• Tip 3: Grind Freeze-Dried Raspberries to a Fine Powder: For the best flavor distribution and a perfectly smooth frosting, it’s essential to process your freeze-dried raspberries into a very fine, consistent powder. A food processor or a high-speed blender works perfectly for this task. If the raspberries aren’t ground finely enough, you might end up with noticeable small bits that can affect the frosting’s smooth texture and make piping difficult. You can typically find freeze-dried raspberries at major supermarkets, health food stores, or online retailers like Amazon, Target, or Whole Foods.
• Tip 4: Sift Your Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, often contains small, hard lumps due to moisture absorption. Sifting it before adding it to your frosting mixture is a simple yet vital step to ensure a perfectly smooth, lump-free frosting. This quick extra minute of effort makes a significant difference in the final, silky texture.
• Tip 5: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually: Instead of adding all the powdered sugar at once, incorporate it in two halves. Start by mixing on low speed until each addition is just combined. This technique prevents a cloud of sugar from escaping your bowl and allows the sugar to gradually and evenly incorporate, helping to maintain the frosting’s creamy and consistent texture.
• Tip 6: Don’t Overmix the Frosting: Once all the ingredients are combined, beat the frosting on high speed only until it reaches a creamy, light, and fluffy consistency. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to a brittle frosting, or worse, cause the emulsion of the cream cheese and butter to break down, resulting in a thin or soupy frosting. Stop mixing as soon as the desired texture is achieved.
• Tip 7: Adjusting Consistency: If your frosting turns out a little too thick for your liking, add a tiny splash of milk or cream (start with 1 teaspoon at a time) and mix until it reaches your desired consistency. If, on the other hand, it seems too thin, you can try adding a tablespoon or two more of sifted powdered sugar. Another trick for thin frosting is to chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, then briefly re-whip it; this often helps it firm up.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make The Best Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by ensuring your full-fat block cream cheese and unsalted butter are both at perfect room temperature. Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl and set it aside. Using a food processor or a high-speed blender, grind the freeze-dried raspberries into a very fine, powdery crumb. Set this aside as well.
2. Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter on high speed for 2 minutes. The butter should transform into a light, pale, and incredibly creamy consistency. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
3. Add Cream Cheese: Now, add the room temperature cream cheese to the whipped butter in the bowl. Continue to beat on high speed for 1 minute until the mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly combined. Once again, scrape down the bowl to ensure no lumps of cream cheese remain unmixed.
4. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: With the mixer set to low speed, gradually add half of the sifted powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Mix until it is just combined. Then, add the remaining powdered sugar and continue mixing on low speed until it is fully incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Once incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for another 1 minute until the frosting appears light and fluffy.
5. Incorporate Raspberry and Lemon: Finally, add the finely ground freeze-dried raspberries and the fresh lemon zest to the bowl. Mix on high speed for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is uniformly creamy, takes on a beautiful light pink color, and is perfectly smooth. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
6. Serve or Store: Your absolutely delicious and beautiful raspberry cream cheese frosting is now ready to use! Pipe it onto cupcakes, spread it over a cake, or use it to fill your favorite pastries.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

This versatile raspberry cream cheese frosting is a delightful addition to a wide array of desserts. Its bright, fruity, and tangy notes complement many flavors beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions:

• Vanilla Cakes & Cupcakes: This is a classic and winning combination! The simple elegance of a vanilla cake or cupcake perfectly showcases the vibrant, natural raspberry flavor of the frosting.
• Lemon Cakes & Cupcakes: Enhance the citrusy brightness of lemon desserts with this tangy frosting for a truly refreshing and zesty treat. The lemon zest in the frosting will create a delightful harmony.
• Chocolate Desserts: Don’t shy away from pairing raspberry with chocolate – it’s a match made in heaven! Try this frosting on rich chocolate cupcakes, a decadent chocolate fudge cake, or even simple chocolate brownies for an elevated experience.
• Sugar Cookies & Shortbread: Pipe a generous dollop onto delicate shortbread cookies or use it as a flavorful filling for elegant sugar cookie sandwiches.
• Brownies & Blondies: A thick layer of this creamy frosting can transform a humble brownie or blondie into a gourmet dessert, adding a sophisticated fruity dimension.
• Red Velvet Cake: While traditionally paired with plain cream cheese frosting, the raspberry twist adds an exciting and vibrant new dimension to the classic red velvet flavor.
• Fruit Tarts & Pastries: Use this frosting as a luscious filling or a beautiful topping for individual fruit tarts, sweet crepes, or serve it alongside scones for a fancy tea time.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions for Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Preparing your raspberry cream cheese frosting in advance or storing leftovers is simple, ensuring you always have a delicious topping on hand for your next baking adventure:

• Refrigeration: Any leftover raspberry cream cheese frosting should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze this frosting for up to 1 month. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to press out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Thawing and Re-whipping: When you’re ready to use chilled or frozen frosting, first let it come to room temperature. This usually takes at least 30-60 minutes for refrigerated frosting, or several hours for frozen frosting. Once it has softened, re-whip it briefly with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy again. You may find it helpful to add a tiny splash of milk or a tablespoon of sifted powdered sugar to adjust the consistency if it seems too stiff or too soft after re-whipping.
• Frosted Desserts: Cakes and cupcakes frosted with cream cheese frosting should generally be stored in the refrigerator, especially in warmer climates, due to the dairy content. For the best flavor and texture, remember to bring them to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of freeze-dried?

While fresh raspberries are wonderfully flavorful, they contain a significant amount of moisture which can make your cream cheese frosting too thin, watery, and unstable. Freeze-dried raspberries are specifically chosen for this recipe because they provide an intense, concentrated raspberry flavor and a vibrant color without introducing any excess water, making them ideal for achieving the perfect frosting consistency.

My frosting looks curdled or split. What went wrong?

This is one of the most common issues with cream cheese frosting, and it’s almost always caused by using butter and cream cheese that aren’t at the same, ideal room temperature. If one is significantly colder than the other, they won’t emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy or split appearance. Ensure both ingredients are perfectly softened to room temperature before you begin mixing. Sometimes, a quick fix is to gently warm a very small portion of the curdled frosting (e.g., microwave for 5-10 seconds until slightly melted), then slowly reincorporate it into the main batch while mixing on low speed.

How can I make my frosting thicker?

If you find your frosting is too thin, try gradually adding 1-2 tablespoons of sifted powdered sugar at a time, mixing until it reaches your desired consistency. Another effective method is to chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes; the cold will help to firm up the fats. Once chilled, re-whip it briefly before use.

How can I make my frosting thinner?

If your raspberry cream cheese frosting is too thick, you can easily thin it down by adding milk or cream, 1 teaspoon at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until you achieve your preferred spreading or piping consistency. Start small, as a little liquid goes a long way!

Is this frosting very sweet?

This recipe is designed to achieve a beautifully balanced sweetness, where the tang of the cream cheese and the natural tartness of the raspberries cut through the sweetness of the powdered sugar. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can slightly reduce the amount of powdered sugar, but be aware that this might slightly affect the frosting’s overall consistency and stability. For those with a sweeter tooth, you can add a bit more powdered sugar until it suits your taste.

The Best Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting

By Stephanie Rutherford

This is truly the best raspberry cream cheese frosting you’ll ever make. It’s super creamy, boasts a beautiful natural pink color, and bursts with authentic raspberry flavor, enhanced by a hint of fresh lemon zest. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and other delightful treats!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 0 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

• 8 oz (226g) Full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (226g) Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups (240g) Powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 oz (28g) Freeze-dried raspberries, ground to a fine crumb
• 1/2 Lemon, zested

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl and set aside. Using a food processor or a high-speed blender, grind the freeze-dried raspberries into a very fine, consistent powder. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter on high speed for 2 minutes until it is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
3. Add Cream Cheese: Add the room temperature cream cheese to the whipped butter. Beat on high speed for 1 minute until the mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly combined. Scrape down the bowl once more to eliminate any lumps.
4. Incorporate Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add half of the sifted powdered sugar. Mix until just combined. Then add the remaining powdered sugar and continue mixing on low until fully incorporated. Once the sugar is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for another 1 minute until the frosting is light and fluffy.
5. Add Flavorings: Finally, stir in the finely ground freeze-dried raspberries and the fresh lemon zest. Beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is completely smooth, creamy, and uniform in its beautiful pink color. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Ready to Use: Your gorgeous and delicious raspberry cream cheese frosting is now ready to spread or pipe onto your favorite desserts!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 202kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 61mg
• Potassium: 29mg
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 727IU
• Calcium: 23mg
• Iron: 0.02mg

We truly hope you adore this Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting as much as we do! If you tried this recipe, we’d love for you to leave a star rating and review below to share your experience with other bakers. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats with your beautiful creations, and for even more sweet inspiration and delicious recipe ideas, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!