Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Towers

Name: Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Towers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ½ cup raspberries, pureed and strained; 1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed for consistency; Fresh raspberries for decoration

Highlighted under: Deluxe Baking Inspirations

I love how these Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Towers combine the sweet tartness of fresh raspberries with the bright zing of lemonade. Each bite is a burst of flavor that reminds me of summer picnics and sunny days. These cupcakes are not just visually stunning but also a delightful treat that is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of fluffy cupcake, zesty lemon frosting, and vibrant raspberry topping creates a delicious harmony that is hard to resist. I can’t wait to share this joyous recipe with you!

Created by

Andrea

Last updated on 2026-02-05T17:01:27.809Z

During one of my recent baking adventures, I wanted to create something refreshing that would also impress my friends. It dawned on me that raspberry and lemon are a classic combination that works beautifully together. I experimented with a lemon cupcake base topped with a tart raspberry frosting, which turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. The method of whipping the butter and sugar until light and fluffy really makes a difference in texture, resulting in cupcakes that are truly light and airy.

What surprised me most about these towers is how the addition of lemon zest in both the cupcake and frosting amplifies the flavor, creating a delightful zing. I also found that incorporating fresh raspberries into the frosting gives it a lovely swirl and an extra layer of sweetness. I hope you find joy in baking these cupcake towers as much as I did!

Why You'll Love These Cupcake Towers
Bright and refreshing flavor profile with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness
Visually stunning presentation, perfect for parties and celebrations
Fluffy cupcakes paired with luscious, creamy frosting

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

When making these Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Towers, the quality of your ingredients directly affects the final flavor. Using fresh raspberries will enhance the natural tartness and aromatic properties that make these cupcakes truly special. Avoid frozen raspberries if possible, as they can introduce excess moisture and skew the texture of your frosting.

Similarly, when selecting your lemons, opt for organic ones that feel heavy for their size. Organic lemons tend to have more flavor and zest, which is crucial for the frosting. Zesting is an essential step—make sure to only take the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith underneath is bitter and can dull the frosting's vibrant flavor.

Frosting Consistency Matters

Achieving the ideal consistency for your raspberry frosting is key to creating this dessert's signature look. The frosting should be spreadable yet sturdy enough to hold the shape of your piping. If it becomes too runny, try adding more powdered sugar gradually, which will thicken it up without compromising the flavor. Conversely, if it's too stiff, adding a touch of milk will help loosen it for smoother application.

Using a star piping tip not only elevates the appearance of the cupcakes but also allows for better texture in the frosting. When you pipe the frosting onto the cupcake, create a swirl from the outside in, finishing with a peak in the middle. This technique not only looks beautiful but also ensures that there’s frosting in every bite.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your heavenly Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Towers:

For the Cupcakes

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon lemon zest
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Raspberry Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup raspberries, pureed and strained
1-2 tablespoons milk, if needed for consistency
Fresh raspberries for decoration

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Towers:

Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated. Stir in the milk, lemon zest, and mix until just combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until no lumps remain.

Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Raspberry Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until incorporated, then increase the speed. Mix in the lemon juice and zest, and then the raspberry puree. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cupcake Towers

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously pipe the raspberry frosting onto each cupcake using a star tip for a professional look. Top each frosted cupcake with a fresh raspberry for a beautiful touch. If you’re feeling creative, you can stack two cupcakes together for a delightful tower effect!

Enjoy your delicious Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Towers!

Pro Tips

For best flavor, use fresh raspberries and make sure your butter is fully softened for the frosting.

Tips for Storing Cupcakes

Once your cupcake towers have been frosted, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you expect to keep them longer, it's best to refrigerate them. They can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but ensure they are well-covered to prevent them from drying out.

For those wanting to make these cupcakes in advance, you can bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container for up to three days before frosting. This method allows you to save time on the day of your gathering, so you can focus on presentation and decoration.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to get creative with these cupcake towers! For instance, you can substitute blueberries or blackberries for the raspberries if you’re seeking a different flavor profile. This not only changes the flavor but can also be visually stunning depending on the berry used. Additionally, consider adding a hint of vanilla extract to the cupcake batter for an extra layer of flavor.

If you're looking to add a more exciting texture, consider sprinkling crushed graham crackers on top of the frosted cupcakes for a nod to a lemon raspberry cheesecake. This will give a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft cupcakes and creamy frosting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the best taste.

→ Can I use frozen raspberries for the frosting?

Yes, frozen raspberries can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.

→ How do I store the leftovers?

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration can dry them out.

→ Can I replace the butter in the frosting?

Yes, feel free to use a vegan butter substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option.