Indulge in the perfect blend of tangy raspberries, rich cream cheese, and moist cake layers with this Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also bursts with flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a special treat, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, complemented by a creamy, luxurious frosting. Follow this recipe to create a show-stopping cake that will be the highlight of any celebration.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
For Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Prepare the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, or use parchment paper to line them.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk. Put this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cake remains light and fluffy.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Raspberry Filling:
- Prepare the Raspberry Mixture: Place the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice into a small saucepan and mix them together. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the raspberries break down and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the raspberry mixture and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the filling thickens.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Assemble the Cake:
- Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top, followed by an even layer of the raspberry filling. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost the Cake: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting (crumb coat) over the entire cake. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up the crumb coat. After it’s cooled, apply the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Garnish: Garnish the top of the cake with fresh raspberries and, if desired, a few mint leaves for a pop of color.
Serve:
- Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors with every bite!
Conclusion
This Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake is a true celebration of flavors, combining the sweetness of cake, the tang of raspberries, and the richness of cream cheese frosting into one irresistible dessert. Perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this cake is sure to become a favorite. The beautiful presentation and delightful taste make it a standout dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!