Meet your new party trick: Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration. This showstopping dessert blends luscious layers of moist vanilla cake, tangy cream cheese frosting, and two powerful punches of vibrant raspberry—preserves and fresh berries. Every bite balances sweetness, creaminess, and irresistible berry brightness, making it a memorable centerpiece for birthdays, brunches, showers, or any occasion where “wow” is on the menu. If you’re ready to fall in love with cake all over again, this recipe is simply unforgettable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great cake starts with simple, superstar ingredients. Each item on this list brings something special, from the tender crumb of the cake layers to the rich creaminess of the frosting and the fresh, juicy bursts of raspberry throughout. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each is essential:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, creating a light but sturdy crumb that supports generous fillings and frosting.
- Baking powder: Gives your cake the perfect lift and fluffy texture—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those sweet flavors and makes the other ingredients shine.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and tender texture to each bite; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides velvety tang in both the cake and the frosting, keeping everything incredibly moist.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, airy crumb.
- Large eggs: Structure and richness—add them one at a time for the best texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and provides that classic bakery aroma.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake extra moist and tender without weighing it down.
- Raspberry preserves: A sweet, concentrated layer of fruit that infuses the cake with bold raspberry flavor.
- Fresh raspberries: Their tartness and color pop in every slice—definitely not just for decoration!
- Heavy whipping cream: The secret to a billowy, cloud-like frosting with staying power.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the frosting for a smooth, sweet finish.
- Cream cheese (softened, for frosting): Brings tang and creaminess to the fluffy topping—no butter needed here!
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): One final note of warmth and roundness in the luscious frosting layer.
How to Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans—trust me, taking a moment here prevents sticking disasters later. For extra insurance, you can line the bottoms with parchment rounds so your cake layers slip right out.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step ensures everything is evenly distributed and your cake rises evenly, with no surprise salty patches!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This duo makes your cake layers decadently rich with just the right tang. You want no lumps—a hand mixer or stand mixer works best.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Eggs
Beat in the granulated sugar and whip until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about two to three minutes. Add your eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated. This builds structure, while ensuring a beautifully light texture.
Step 5: Incorporate Vanilla, Dry Mix, and Milk
Mix in the vanilla. Now, alternately add your flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. This technique locks in moisture without over-mixing, giving you tender, bakery-style cake layers every single time.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks. Let them come to room temperature—you want them completely cool for assembly!
Step 7: Layer with Raspberry Preserves, Fresh Berries, and Frosting
Place your first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half a cup of raspberry preserves—a simple trick for big flavor. Sprinkle with fresh raspberries, then top with a thin layer of frosting. Repeat with the second layer. Finish with the final cake layer on top, ready for its crowning glory.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat together the remaining cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then pour in the heavy cream slowly, whipping it until the frosting holds soft peaks and is light as air. It should be thick but spreadable, ready to envelop your cake.
Step 9: Frost and Chill the Cake
Use a spatula to spread the frosting generously over the top and sides of the cake. Don’t worry about perfection—a few swirls look beautiful and homemade. Chill the cake for at least one hour to set everything. If desired, garnish with extra raspberries before serving your Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration.
How to Serve Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration
Garnishes
For a picture-worthy finish, top your Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration with a cluster of plump, fresh raspberries. You can also add delicate curls of white chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few sprigs of mint. Every slice will look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dazzling cake pairs well with light accompaniments. Serve slices alongside a simple fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a refreshing iced tea or mimosa. These sides highlight the cake’s berry brightness and decadent creaminess without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration into an unforgettable centerpiece. Try layering mini cakes in mason jars for picnics or parties, or cut the cake into generous squares for a charming rustic presentation. Individual trifles with cubed cake, extra raspberries, and clouds of frosting are also gorgeous for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese in the frosting, refrigeration helps keep the cake moist and safe to eat for up to four days. Let slices sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to plan ahead or save leftover slices for future cravings, the Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire (unfrosted) cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting or serving.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary! If you do want a slightly softer texture, set a slice out on the counter for 20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the creamy frosting and change the cake’s perfect structure.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen raspberries, thaw and gently pat them dry before layering into the cake to avoid excess moisture. They still add lovely pops of flavor and color.
How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to grease and flour your pans thoroughly, and consider adding a parchment round to the bottom of each pan for extra insurance. This makes removing the layers smooth and stress-free.
Can I make the Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking. Double-check that your baking powder and preserves are gluten-free, and you’re all set for a celebration cake everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to evenly spread the frosting?
A large offset spatula is your secret weapon here. Start by adding a generous blob of frosting to the cake and gently swirl it outward, working your way to the sides. Don’t stress over perfection—rustic swirls always look delicious and inviting.
Can I make the cake layers or frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Bake the cake layers up to two days ahead, wrap and refrigerate. You can make the frosting a day in advance as well—just keep it covered and chilled, then re-whip for fluffiness before assembling your Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that gathers friends around the table and sparks plenty of “oohs” and “aahs,” Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration is your answer. It’s elegant yet approachable, brimming with fresh berries and luscious frosting. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make one with this delightfully memorable cake!
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Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: A Sweet Celebration Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake that combines the richness of cream cheese with the tartness of raspberries for a delightful dessert perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup raspberry preserves
- 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, for frosting)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and cream cheese: Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy.
- Add sugar and eggs: Incorporate sugar and eggs, then add vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake until done, and cool cakes.
- Assemble cake: Layer cake with preserves, raspberries, and frosting.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and whipped cream.
- Frost cake: Frost top and sides, chill, and garnish.
Notes
- Enhance raspberry flavor with raspberry extract.
- Smooth texture with seedless raspberry jam.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
