Dreamy Raspberry Swirl Cupcakes Recipe: A Sweet Treat

Sweet, pillowy cupcakes with a delightful raspberry swirl dancing through soft, moist cake will make anyone’s day brighter.

These delectable treats blend tangy berry essence with rich, velvety buttercream in every single bite.

Home bakers adore how simple the recipe comes together with minimal effort.

The raspberry swirl cupcakes sparkle with vibrant color and irresistible flavor that turns an ordinary dessert into something spectacular.

Each cupcake promises a burst of fruity excitement balanced by creamy, smooth frosting.

Delicate swirls of raspberry create stunning visual appeal that matches the incredible taste.

You won’t be able to resist these charming little desserts that are perfect for any occasion or sweet craving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 20min

Total Time: 35min

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Raspberry Cupcake Ingredients Simplified

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates tender, soft cupcake crumb with perfect texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help cupcakes rise beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth consistency.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create light, airy cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structural support.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex aromatic depth to cupcake flavor.
• Sour Cream, Milk: Contribute moisture and create soft, tender crumb.

• Fresh Raspberries: Delivers vibrant, tangy fruity burst and natural color.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, smooth frosting texture.
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve light, fluffy frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out frosting flavor with subtle warmth.

Baking Tools for Swirled Raspberry Cupcakes

• Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Essential for beating butter, creaming sugar, and creating smooth batter.
• Mixing Bowls: Large and medium bowls needed for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Muffin Tin: Crucial for baking the cupcakes in perfect shape.
• Cupcake Liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients and ensuring no lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps maintain accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Used for swirling raspberry mixture and checking cake doneness.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter and smooth frosting.

How to Bake Raspberry Cupcakes from Scratch

• Raspberry Preparation

Crush fresh raspberries and sprinkle with a touch of sugar to create a vibrant fruit base that will dance through the cupcake batter.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix flour, rising agents, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, creating a smooth powder foundation for your delightful treats.

• Butter and Sugar Harmony

Cream softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a fluffy canvas for your cupcakes.

• Liquid Ingredients

Gently incorporate eggs and vanilla, stirring until the batter becomes silky and smooth with a gorgeous golden hue.

• Batter Creation

Carefully fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with creamy dairy to ensure a perfect, velvety texture.

• Swirl Magic

Pour batter into cupcake liners, then playfully dot raspberry mixture across the top, using a toothpick to create dreamy, marbled swirls.

• Baking Transformation

Slide cupcakes into a preheated oven, allowing them to bake until golden and springy, filling your kitchen with irresistible sweet aromas.

• Frosting Finale

Whip butter and powdered sugar into a cloud-like frosting, adding cream for extra luxurious smoothness.

• Decorative Touch

Once cooled, crown each cupcake with a generous swirl of frosting, creating a stunning dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Tips for Swirls, Fillings & Frosting

• Swap vanilla frosting with cream cheese or white chocolate buttercream for added richness. Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries on top for extra texture and intense berry flavor.
• Use a clean toothpick or skewer to create intricate marbled patterns in the batter. Drag the tool gently through the raspberry mixture to achieve beautiful swirl designs without overmixing.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions. Add a pinch of xanthan gum to help maintain the cupcake's soft texture and structure.
• Keep cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Refrigerate frosted cupcakes and let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Serving Cupcakes That Wow a Crowd

• Elegant Dessert Pairing: Serve these raspberry swirl cupcakes alongside a chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling white wine for a sophisticated adult dessert experience.
• Summer Picnic Presentation: Arrange cupcakes on a beautiful rustic wooden board with fresh whole raspberries scattered around, creating an Instagram-worthy display that highlights the vibrant fruit colors.
• Tea Time Delight: Complement these cupcakes with a classic earl grey or chamomile tea, allowing the delicate raspberry flavors to beautifully intertwine with the subtle tea notes, making an afternoon treat feel extra special.
• Garnish Glamour: Top each cupcake with a fresh raspberry, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a small mint leaf to add an elegant finishing touch that elevates the visual appeal and provides a burst of additional flavor.

Keeping Cupcakes Soft After Baking

• Cupcake Freshness Guardian: Store these delightful raspberry swirl cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture retention.
• Refrigeration Runway: When topped with frosting, keep cupcakes in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and add frosting just before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cupcake batter and raspberry swirl mixture a day in advance. Store the batter covered in the refrigerator and the raspberry mixture in a sealed container. Bring to room temperature before baking for the best texture and rise.

Velvety Raspberry Swirl Cupcakes

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic raspberry swirl cupcakes blend delicate vanilla cake with luscious raspberry compote. Sweet frosting and fresh berries crown these perfect dessert treats you’ll savor down to the last delightful crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 cups (354 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (237 ml) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups (118 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cups (118 ml) sour cream
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 cups (59 ml) milk
• 0.5 cups (118 ml) fresh raspberries
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 2 cups (474 ml) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven and position rack in the center. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Raspberry Swirl: Crush raspberries with granulated sugar, creating a vibrant compote for marbling through the batter.
3. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of leavening agents.
4. Wet Mixture: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly. Mix in vanilla extract for aromatic enhancement.
5. Batter Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with sour cream and milk. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Swirling and Filling: Portion batter into prepared liners, leaving space for rising. Artfully drop raspberry compote on top, using a toothpick to create elegant marble patterns throughout each cupcake.
7. Baking Process: Bake in preheated oven until cupcakes are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool briefly in pan before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Frosting Preparation: Whip butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, beating until smooth and spreadable.
9. Finishing Touch: Once completely cooled, pipe or spread frosting generously over cupcakes, creating a luxurious final presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Raspberry Swirl: Use fresh, ripe raspberries for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant color in the compote.
• Master Batter Technique: Avoid overmixing to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined for tender crumb.
• Temperature Precision: Let ingredients like butter, eggs, and sour cream reach room temperature for smoother, more even batter integration.
• Swirling Pro Tip: Use a clean toothpick or skewer to create elegant marble-like patterns without overworking the raspberry mixture.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg