Description
Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake
This Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake is a delightful treat with its moist layers of vanilla cake, tart raspberry filling, and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, it combines vibrant flavors and elegant presentation!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup milk
For the Raspberry Filling:
2 cups fresh raspberries
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
Additional fresh raspberries
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Raspberry Filling:
Combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to boil.
Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one layer of cake on your serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top, then spoon half of the cooled raspberry filling over the frosting.
Add the second layer of cake and repeat with more cream cheese frosting and the remaining raspberry filling.
Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the cake with fresh raspberries for an elegant finish.
Enjoy the tangy raspberry and creamy cheesecake flavors in every bite!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless cake. First, ensure all cold ingredients (butter, cream cheese, eggs, milk) are at room temperature for smooth mixing. For the cake layers, cream the butter and sugar for a full 3-5 minutes until very pale and fluffy; this incorporates air for a light crumb. When adding the dry and wet ingredients, mix on low speed and stop as soon as the flour is incorporated to avoid a tough cake. For the filling, press the cooked raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after cooling to remove seeds for a smoother texture. To assemble, pipe a thick dam of frosting around the edge of the bottom cake layer before adding the filling; this prevents it from leaking out.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is elegant on its own but can be elevated with simple accompaniments. Serve each slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a mint sprig. For a dessert platter, pair with a glass of sparkling rosé or a cup of Earl Grey tea. If serving at a summer gathering, garnish the plate with a drizzle of raspberry coulis and a few lemon zest curls.
How-to Summary
To make this Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake: 1) Bake two vanilla cake layers and cool completely. 2) Cook fresh raspberries with sugar and cornstarch into a thick filling, then cool. 3) Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a smooth frosting. 4) Assemble by stacking layers with frosting and raspberry filling in between. 5) Frost the outside and garnish with fresh berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling? Yes, frozen raspberries work perfectly. Do not thaw them before cooking, and you may need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the extra liquid.
How do I store this cake? Due to the cream cheese frosting, the cake must be refrigerated. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make the components ahead of time? Absolutely. The cake layers can be baked, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and frozen for up to a month. The raspberry filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. The frosting can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge; let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
My frosting is too soft. How can I fix it? A soft frosting is often due to ingredients being too warm. Immediately chill the bowl of frosting in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, then re-whip. If it’s still soft, you can carefully add a little more powdered sugar, a quarter cup at a time.
Can I use a different pan size? For three 6-inch layers, bake for 22-25 minutes. For a 9×13 sheet cake, bake for 30-35 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese or butter, which leads to lumpy frosting.
- Overmixing the cake batter after adding flour, which develops gluten and creates a dense, tough cake.
- Assembling the cake with warm layers or filling, which will melt the frosting and cause sliding.
- Not letting the raspberry filling cool completely, making it runny and difficult to contain.
- Applying a thick layer of frosting on a cake with lots of crumbs. Always do a thin “crumb coat” first, chill for 15 minutes, then apply the final frosting layer.
Conclusion
This Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake is a stunning and delicious dessert that masterfully balances sweet, tart, and creamy elements. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a show-stopping cake perfect for celebrations or a special weekend treat. The make-ahead flexibility and elegant presentation make it a reliable favorite for any baker looking to impress.