Blackberry Buttercream

If it’s blackberry season and you have an abundance of fresh berries, go ahead and bookmark this blackberry buttercream frosting recipe, because it will knock your socks off. It’s made like a traditional buttercream, with the brilliant addition of blackberry puree. Voila! You have a gorgeous purple-tinted icing for your next dessert.

Spread it in layers over chocolate cake, or enjoy it on sugar cookies for a simple but pretty sweet treat. Whatever dessert you use it with, both the color and taste will be out of this world, and it’s so easy to make it’ll be ready in less than 10. We call that a win.

Ingredients for Blackberry Buttercream

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• Fresh blackberries: Fresh blackberries are the best choice, but you can opt for frozen if that’s what you have.
• Butter: Be sure to use unsalted butter here, so you can control the overall salt content and flavor more easily. You’ll want to let the butter soften before you start.
• Vanilla extract: Use pure (not imitation) vanilla extract for the best flavor, and consider making homemade vanilla extract ahead of time for an added boost in fresh flavor.
• Salt: Just a dash of salt helps to balance the sweet just a bit.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Powdered sugar helps to create a smooth, whipped consistency for the best blackberry buttercream icing. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own powdered sugar too.

Directions

Step 1: Process the blackberries

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Place the blackberries in a blender or food processor, then cover and process them until pureed.

Step 2: Strain the blackberries

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Press the blackberries through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, then discard the seeds.

Step 3: Make the frosting base

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In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Beat in the vanilla and salt. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth.

Step 4: Add the blackberry puree

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Add the blackberry puree into the frosting, then beat until blended. For the rest results, use the frosting immediately.

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Blackberry Buttercream Variations

• Change up the berries: Sub out the blackberries for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries—you name it. You can even use multiple berries for a multi-berry buttercream frosting.
• Swap the extract: This blackberry buttercream recipe calls for vanilla extract. If you want to change up the flavor, feel free to use lemon, almond or any other extract you’re craving to complement the fresh blackberry flavor.

How to Store Blackberry Buttercream

Blackberry frosting should be stored in an airtight container. If you plan on using it within two days, you can keep it on the counter for better spreadability. Otherwise, it should be stored in the fridge or freezer.

How long does blackberry buttercream last?

Provided you’ve stored it properly in an airtight container, this blackberry buttercream frosting recipe will last for up to two days on the counter, up to a week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.

Can you freeze blackberry buttercream?

Yes, you can freeze blackberry buttercream. To do so, store it in a freezer-safe plastic bag or glass container, or in a piping bag so that you can use it easily upon thawing. The day before you’re ready to use it, thaw the frozen frosting in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature before re-whipping it and spreading it on your dessert. If you’re storing it in a piping bag, massage it briefly before using.

Blackberry Buttercream Tips

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Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blackberries for this recipe. However, you may need to add additional confectioners’ sugar to get the consistency down. Frozen berries tend to get runny when they thaw, which can in turn add more liquid to the frosting. Extra confectioners’ sugar will solve that issue; just add it slowly so you don’t add too much.

How much frosting will this make?

This recipe will make 5 cups of blackberry buttercream frosting, enough to frost about two dozen cupcakes, a three-layer cake or three dozen cookies.

What types of dessert should I use this with?

Blackberry frosting is divine with a layered chocolate cake, on cupcakes of your choice or spread on top of sugar cookies.