Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe

If you love a dessert that feels like a warm hug and tastes like a celebration, you are absolutely going to adore this Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe. Imagine layers of tender, moist cake bursting with fresh raspberries, all wrapped in a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and richness. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a showstopper for any occasion, filled with vibrant colors and flavors that bring smiles with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up this cake is as simple as it is satisfying. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fluffy texture of the cake layers to the tangy sweetness of the frosting and raspberry accents. These components come together beautifully to create that classic raspberry cream cheese magic.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its perfect crumb and structure.
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Essential for rise and fluffiness to make your layers light and airy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the raspberries.
• 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the cake rise beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter.
• 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and adds a smooth texture.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra moisture for softness.
• 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries: Bursting with fresh berry flavor and beautiful color.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting, delivering that signature tangy creaminess.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Balances the frosting’s texture for the perfect spreadability.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting into a smooth finish.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the cream cheese frosting flavor with a gentle aroma.
• ¼ cup raspberry jam (for filling): Intensifies the raspberry flavor between layers for a fruity punch.
• Extra raspberries for garnish: Adds a fresh and inviting look to your finished cake.

How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your oven is perfectly warmed by the time the batter is ready. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to make sure your cakes come out smoothly, without sticking. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to keep your dry ingredients evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it traps air in the batter, which gives your cake layers that airy, tender texture. Don’t rush it; take your time here for the best results.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated and your batter remains smooth. Then, mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the cake with that comforting, aromatic hint.

Step 4: Mix Milk and Sour Cream

In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk and sour cream. This creamy mixture will add moisture and a slight tanginess to the final cake, making it irresistibly soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk-sour cream mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, starting and ending with the flour. This alternating method keeps the batter well mixed without being overworked, preventing tough cake layers.

Step 6: Fold in Fresh Raspberries

Gently fold in the fresh raspberries to prevent breaking them up and turning the batter pink. Tossing the raspberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the batter, ensuring you get bursts of berry in every bite.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This careful baking time creates moist yet fully cooked layers perfect for stacking and frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cakes cool completely, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well each time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This frosting should be silky and spreadable, with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Step 9: Assemble Your Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread it evenly with raspberry jam. Then, add a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the jam. Top with the second cake layer, and finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake. For the final flourish, decorate with fresh raspberries for a beautiful, inviting presentation.

How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Extra fresh raspberries on top give this cake a jewel-like finish and add a refreshing burst of flavor with every bite. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the raspberries for a delicate, frosted look that’s simply stunning at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair this luscious cake with a light, fruity dessert wine or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can also make your serving even more indulgent and enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve individual slices on elegant plates with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a few edible flowers. You could even transform this cake into mini layer cakes using smaller pans for a charming party presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making every bite even better.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling your Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe. This makes prepping ahead a breeze for special occasions.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a warmer slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving instead of microwaving, to maintain the creamy frosting’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

While fresh raspberries are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well, and consider adding a bit more flour to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe uses no animal products aside from dairy and eggs, making it a perfect vegetarian-friendly dessert.

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe, providing similar moisture and tanginess without altering the flavor much.

How do I prevent the raspberries from sinking to the bottom?

Tossing the raspberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended evenly during baking, so every slice has delightful berry pockets.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to achieve similar texture and rise.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe is truly a celebration in every slice. It brings together the best of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors in a way that instantly becomes a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just trying it out for the first time, this cake promises joy from whisking to tasting. So next time you want a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Print