If you are someone who loves the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in your desserts, then this Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It blends luscious cream cheese with the fresh, vibrant essence of raspberries, creating a frosting that is silky, flavorful, and absolutely bursting with color. Whether you’re topping cupcakes, cakes, or even spreading it on a simple slice of toast, this frosting will elevate your treats to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collage of four images shows the process of making pink frosting in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The first image shows a white bowl with yellow creamy butter being mixed with a hand mixer, while powdered sugar is being poured in from above. The second image shows more yellow creamy butter being whipped in the bowl with a hand mixer, and a pink spatula holds a dollop of white cream above the bowl. The third image shows the bowl of yellow butter with a spoon holding red jam or puree ready to be added on top of the mixture. The fourth image shows the white bowl filled with smooth pink frosting being mixed with a hand mixer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a vital role to create the perfect texture and flavor. From the richness of the cream cheese to the bright tartness of the raspberry reduction, these simple essentials come together beautifully.

190 g Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add natural sweetness and a bright, tangy flavor that shines through in the frosting.
20 g Granulated sugar: We use this to sweeten the raspberry puree while helping to reduce it down to concentrate the flavor.
¼ tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Provides a subtle zing that balances the sweetness perfectly.
113 g Unsalted butter (82% fat, at room temperature): Adds creaminess and a velvety base to the frosting.
60 g Powdered sugar (sifted): This keeps the frosting smooth and adds a touch of sweetness while ensuring it’s spreadable.
226 g Cream cheese (full fat): The star ingredient that gives the frosting its signature tangy richness and luscious texture.

How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Soften Butter and Prep Mixer

Start by bringing your butter to room temperature so it’s soft and easy to whip. This step is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy frosting. Get your stand mixer ready with the paddle attachment, or use an electric hand mixer if that’s what you have on hand.

Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Reduction

Puree the raspberries, then strain them through a sieve to remove the pesky seeds—this ensures a silky smooth frosting. In a saucepan, cook the raspberry puree with granulated sugar and lemon juice over medium heat. Let it reduce to about one-third cup or 60 grams; this intensifies the raspberry flavor without overpowering the cream cheese’s smoothness. Allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing.

Step 3: Whip the Butter

Cream the room-temperature butter on medium-high speed for about three minutes until it turns pale and fluffy. This aeration is what makes the frosting light and easy to spread or pipe.

Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and whip the mixture for another two minutes. This will help create a pale, fluffy base that balances the richness of the butter and cream cheese.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Add the full-fat cream cheese and whip for two more minutes. The frosting will become even creamier and tangy—this is where the magic really starts to come together.

Step 6: Blend in Raspberry Reduction

With the mixer running at low speed, slowly add the cooled raspberry reduction one tablespoon at a time. Take your time here to ensure the red color and bright raspberry flavor meld smoothly without splitting the frosting.

Step 7: Chill Before Use

Transfer the finished frosting into a piping bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up for easier application, whether you’re decorating cupcakes or frosting a layered cake.

How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A single cupcake with a light golden yellow base wrapped in translucent paper, sitting on a round white marble surface. On top, there are three thick swirls of pink frosting, with the smallest swirl at the top, giving it a soft and fluffy look. Above the frosting, a metal tip is squeezing more of the same pink frosting, adding a small peak. In the blurred background, there is a soft pink cloth, and a hint of a red raspberry is visible at the bottom corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh raspberries or a few edible flowers really enhance the presentation of this frosting. Toasted almond slivers or white chocolate curls add texture and an extra dose of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This frosting pairs wonderfully with classic vanilla, lemon, or chocolate cakes. It also complements banana bread or cinnamon rolls, offering a fresh twist that lifts these baked goods into a new flavor realm.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful and elegant touch, try piping the frosting in rosettes on cupcakes or dolloping it lavishly onto mini cheesecakes. You can also swirl it with leftover raspberry jam to amplify the fruity notes and give it a marbled effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover frosting, keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This preserves freshness and keeps the texture just right for when you’re ready to use it again.

Freezing

You can freeze the frosting for longer storage by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then give it a quick whip before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating

Avoid direct heating as it may cause separation, but letting the frosting sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before re-whipping usually brings it back to perfect spreading texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for this frosting?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well before pureeing, as excess liquid can affect the frosting’s consistency.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries. An electric hand mixer works just as well for creaming the butter, sugar, and cream cheese evenly.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

Try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a bit more lemon juice to balance the sweetness with some tang.

Is this frosting suitable for piping decorations?

Yes, once chilled, this frosting firms up nicely and holds shapes well, making it perfect for cupcake swirls and cake borders.

Can I substitute any ingredient to make it vegan or dairy-free?

You might try plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will slightly differ from the classic version.

Final Thoughts

There is just something so joyful about making and sharing this Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Its vibrant color and irresistible tang bring your baked creations alive in a way few frostings can. If you want to impress friends, family, or even just treat yourself, I promise this recipe will deliver every single time. Give it a try—you might just find your new signature frosting!

Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.1 from 40 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Raspberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, tangy-sweet topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Made by reducing fresh raspberries with sugar and lemon juice, then blending with butter, powdered sugar, and full-fat cream cheese, it results in a smooth, fluffy frosting bursting with fresh berry flavor and creamy texture.

Ingredients

Frosting Ingredients

190 g Raspberries
20 g Granulated sugar
¼ tablespoon Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
113 g Unsalted butter (82% fat, at room temperature)
60 g Powdered sugar (sifted)
226 g Cream cheese (full fat, 33%+, e.g. Philadelphia)

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Instructions

Prepare Butter: Bring your unsalted butter to room temperature to ensure it softens properly, which is essential for achieving a light and fluffy frosting.
Set Up Mixer: Prepare your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or use an electric hand mixer for creaming the ingredients effectively.
Make Raspberry Reduction: Puree the raspberries and pass the puree through a sieve to remove the seeds. Combine this puree with granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until reduced to about 60 g (⅓ cup). Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Cream Butter: Beat the room-temperature butter on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until it lightens in color and becomes fluffy.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while continuing to whip for an additional 2 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the full-fat cream cheese and whip for another 2 minutes until fully combined and smooth.
Add Raspberry Mixture: Slowly add the cooled raspberry reduction, one tablespoon at a time, while the mixer runs. Continue whipping until the raspberry mixture is fully incorporated and you achieve a consistent, fluffy frosting.
Chill Frosting: Transfer the finished frosting to a piping bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance stability before decorating desserts.
Storage: Store any leftover frosting refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Notes

Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to avoid lumps in your frosting.
Straining the raspberry puree through a sieve removes seeds to keep the frosting smooth.
The raspberry reduction must be cooled fully before adding to prevent melting the butter and cream cheese.
Chilling the frosting after preparation makes it easier to pipe and hold shape.
This frosting is best used within 2-3 days when refrigerated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Frosting
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American