Description
Delight in these luscious Blackberry Frosted Cupcakes featuring a velvety blackberry-infused buttercream frosting atop moist vanilla cupcakes. The frosting is made by simmering fresh blackberries with lemon juice to concentrate their flavor, then blending with butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of cream for a perfectly smooth and tangy topping. Ideal for parties, special occasions, or anytime you crave a fruity twist on classic cupcakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Blackberry Frosting
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk or cream, plus more as needed
Cupcakes
- 24 vanilla cupcakes, homemade or store-bought, fully cooled
Instructions
- Reduce Blackberries: In a small saucepan, combine blackberries and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture reduces to approximately 1/3 cup. This concentrates the blackberry flavor and softens the fruit.
- Strain or Blend Mixture: For a smooth frosting base, strain the reduced mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and skins. Alternatively, blend until smooth. Allow the puree to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding.
- Beat Butter and Puree: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the cooled blackberry puree until the mixture becomes creamy and fully combined, forming a smooth base for the frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar in batches, beating on medium-high speed until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and well-incorporated.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Milk: Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream to the frosting. Mix thoroughly. If the frosting is too stiff for piping, add additional milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired creamy, pipeable consistency is achieved.
- Pipe Frosting on Cupcakes: Transfer the finished frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Generously frost each fully cooled vanilla cupcake with swirls of the blackberry buttercream.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each frosted cupcake with fresh blackberries or berries of your choice for an attractive finishing touch. Serve and enjoy these delightful treats!
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve the ideal frosting consistency, especially for piping.
- You can prepare the blackberry puree in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- If fresh blackberries are unavailable, frozen can be used but thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the frosting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blackberry frosting, vanilla cupcakes, buttercream frosting, berry cupcakes, easy cupcake frosting
