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Watermelon Buttercream Frosting Pink

As seen in: Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving

Make irresistibly fluffy watermelon buttercream bursting with juicy, bright flavor and an eye-catching pink hue. The smooth blend of butter, powdered sugar, and watermelon drink mix yields a tangy frosting that’s dense yet airy—ideal for swirling on cupcakes or layering over cakes. Customize the color with a hint of food coloring, and adjust the consistency to your liking with splashes of milk. This buttercream is easy to whip up and pairs perfectly with a variety of desserts, from cupcakes to cookies or blondies. Store chilled and always let it soften before use for best results!

A woman named Sophie is smiling and holding a plate of food.
Created By Sophie
Last updated on Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:29:59 GMT
A cupcake with a slice of watermelon on top. Save Pin
A cupcake with a slice of watermelon on top. | sophietable.com

This fluffy Watermelon Buttercream brings pure summertime joy to cupcakes and cakes. It tastes just like watermelon candy thanks to a clever shortcut and pipes beautifully for any fun dessert. The delicate balance of sweetness and tang makes it a family favorite for summer parties or just a quick dose of fruity flavor on a treat.

My first batch was so good that my neighbors asked for the recipe and my kids now insist on only this frosting on their birthday cupcakes.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: choose high quality for the smoothest texture and rich creaminess in the base
  • Powdered sugar: makes the frosting fluffy and assures a velvety feel so sift it beforehand for best results
  • A pinch of salt: cuts the sweetness and makes the fruity notes shine
  • Milk: brings the frosting to the perfect creamy consistency whole or evaporated milk offers the best richness
  • Watermelon drink mix: this is the magic ingredient that brings that intense sweet tangy watermelon punch try Jolly Rancher or Kool Aid for best results
  • Red food coloring: for extra pink color use a gel type for brightest results but always add slowly and stop when you get the color you want

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream the Butter:
Start by beating your butter until silky and fluffy on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes as this creates a lighter base
Add Flavor and Sugar:
Mix in the watermelon drink powder and salt followed by powdered sugar one cup at a time with your mixer on low so you avoid a sugar cloud
Whip It Up:
Turn the speed to medium high and whip the whole mixture for three more minutes until fully fluffy and smooth this is where the buttercream gets its light texture
Adjust Consistency:
If it seems thick drizzle in one tablespoon milk at a time while beating until it is soft and creamy but firm enough to hold peaks
Color It:
Add just a couple drops of red food coloring for a brighter pink and blend well check the color before adding more
Finish and Store:
Scrape down the bowl and give one last quick mix so every bit is colored and flavored evenly your buttercream is now ready to use
A collection of watermelon buttercream cupcakes. Save Pin
A collection of watermelon buttercream cupcakes. | sophietable.com

You Must Know

  • No artificial watermelon extract is needed here just the drink mix brings all the bright flavor
  • This frosting holds its shape really well so it is ideal for piping swirls or other decorations
  • Scrape the mixer bowl often for the smoothest texture

My kids have fond memories of scooping the last bits of pink buttercream straight from the bowl after cake decorating days summer always smells a bit sweeter with this recipe

Storage Tips

To keep watermelon buttercream fresh store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before using let it soften on the counter for about thirty minutes so it pipes and spreads easily. If you notice the texture has firmed up more than you like give it a quick whip with your mixer to bring back its fluffiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you only have salted butter you can use it but skip the pinch of extra salt. Any type of watermelon drink mix that is tangy and sweet will work so go with your favorite or what you find locally. If you cannot use regular milk try a dairy free milk like oat or almond just add slowly so the frosting does not become runny. Gel food colors can be swapped for a bit of fresh strawberry puree but this will mellow the pink and add a subtle berry note.

A cupcake with a slice of watermelon on top. Save Pin
A cupcake with a slice of watermelon on top. | sophietable.com

Serving Suggestions

Pipe big swirls onto cupcakes or use a spatula to swoop a thick layer over cake. Make watermelon sandwich cookies by spreading this buttercream between soft sugar cookies or swirl a spoonful onto brownies for a summery twist. Try dipping strawberries or shortbread into the frosting for a playful party treat.

Cultural Context

Watermelon flavors call to mind picnics and family cookouts across the summer months in so many American households. Turning the iconic watermelon candy taste into a buttercream frosting brings nostalgia and joy to both kids and adults letting you bottle the feeling of summer in every bite.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What gives watermelon buttercream its flavor?

The sweet and tangy watermelon taste comes from watermelon drink mix, such as Jolly Rancher or Kool Aid.

→ Can I make this buttercream ahead?

Yes, prepare in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. Let it come to room temperature before using for easier spreading or piping.

→ How do I get that vibrant pink color?

Add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a bright pink hue, or leave it as is for a softer pastel tint.

→ How should I use watermelon buttercream?

Pipe it onto cupcakes, swirl it over cakes or cookies, use as a dessert dip, or as filling in sandwich cookies.

→ Can I freeze leftover watermelon buttercream?

Freezing isn’t recommended since the texture changes, but refrigeration keeps it fresh for several days.

→ How do I make buttercream fluffier?

Beat thoroughly and give it a fresh whip before using. Add milk by the spoonful for a lighter, airier texture if needed.

Watermelon Buttercream Frosting Pink

Fluffy, tangy buttercream with sweet watermelon flavor and vibrant pink color for topping cupcakes and cakes.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Duration
~
Overall Time
10 Minutes
Created By: Sophie

Recipe Type: Desserts

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Type: American

Portion Size: Enough for 18–24 cupcakes or 1 layer cake

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly, Free of Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Buttercream Base

01 225 g unsalted butter, softened
02 400 g powdered sugar, sifted
03 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

→ Flavor and Color

04 1 sachet (about 3.6 g) watermelon-flavored drink mix (e.g. Jolly Rancher or Kool Aid)
05 2–3 tablespoons whole milk or evaporated milk, plus extra as needed
06 Red food coloring, a few drops (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Place softened butter and sifted powdered sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer. Add watermelon drink mix and salt.

Step 02

Beat on low speed for 1 minute until initial ingredients are combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.

Step 03

Add milk one tablespoon at a time, beating until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency suitable for piping or spreading.

Step 04

If desired, beat in a few drops of red food coloring to intensify the pink hue.

Step 05

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat again briefly to ensure uniform texture.

Helpful Notes

  1. If the buttercream becomes too stiff, mix in an extra spoonful of milk for a more spreadable consistency.
  2. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; allow to come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
  3. Do not freeze, as freezing affects the texture of buttercream.

Recommended Tools

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Always review ingredients for any allergens and consult a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains milk and dairy products

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are estimates and shouldn't be considered professional health advice.
  • Calories: 125
  • Fat Content: 4.5 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 22 grams
  • Protein Content: 0.2 grams