Luscious Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe

Sweet Symphony: Dreamy Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe

Indulgent layers of velvety raspberry cream cheese layer cake dance with vibrant fruity notes and rich, silky frosting.

Soft, delicate cake crumb meets tangy cream cheese in a dessert that promises pure delight.

Each slice reveals a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors.

Delicate raspberries nestle between tender cake layers, creating a stunning visual and taste experience.

Fresh ingredients elevate this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bakers seeking a show-stopping centerpiece will fall in love with every single bite.

This decadent cake is sure to become your new favorite summer dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 13

Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Ingredients You’ll Need

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb, choose unbleached flour for best flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cake rise evenly, ensure it's fresh for maximum lift.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, smooth texture, select high-quality European-style butter.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create tender cake, opt for pure cane sugar.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, use room temperature eggs.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, choose pure vanilla for best taste.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and softness, whole milk works best.
For Raspberry Filling:
  • Fresh Raspberries: Delivers vibrant fruity flavor, select ripe, plump berries.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances tartness of raspberries.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens filling, prevents runny texture.
  • Water: Helps create smooth consistency.
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base, use full-fat block style.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and stability, room temperature works best.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting, sift to remove lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Raspberries: Adds visual appeal and fresh burst of flavor.

Tools for Creating Raspberry Cream Cheese Cake

  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and mixing frosting smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowls: Needed for combining dry ingredients, creaming butter, and preparing cake batter.
  • 8-inch round cake pans: Perfectly sized for baking cake layers evenly.
  • Wire cooling racks: Crucial for cooling cake layers without making them soggy.
  • Saucepan: Required for cooking raspberry filling to the right consistency.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and ensuring no lumps.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center for cleanness.
  • Spatula: Useful for spreading frosting and filling between cake layers.
  • Serving plate: Provides a beautiful presentation for the finished cake.

Baking Directions for Raspberry Cream Cheese Cake

  • Cake Foundation

Warm up your oven and prepare smooth cake pans. Mix dry ingredients carefully, creating a fluffy foundation with flour, baking powder, and a hint of salt.

  • Butter and Sugar Symphony

Blend butter and sugar until they transform into a creamy, light mixture. Add eggs one by one, introducing vanilla for a delicate flavor. Gently fold in flour and milk, creating a silky smooth batter.

  • Baking Magic

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake until golden. The cake whispers its readiness when a toothpick emerges clean. Let layers cool completely, preparing for their delicious destiny.

  • Raspberry Dream Filling

Craft a vibrant raspberry sauce by simmering berries with sugar. Watch the mixture thicken and bubble, creating a luscious, deep-colored filling that will surprise taste buds.

  • Cream Cheese Cloud

Whip cream cheese into a dreamy, soft texture. Blend in powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a velvety frosting that promises pure indulgence.

  • Cake Assembly

Layer the cake with alternating clouds of cream cheese and ruby-red raspberry filling. Each layer tells a story of sweet harmony, building anticipation for the first delightful bite.

  • Final Flourish

Dress the entire cake in remaining cream cheese frosting. Scatter fresh raspberries on top, creating a stunning finale that celebrates flavor and texture.

Frosting Tips & Tricks for Layer Cakes

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Enhance the raspberry filling by adding a splash of raspberry liqueur or a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for extra brightness and depth.
  • Prepare cake layers and filling a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to save time on assembly day and allow flavors to meld.
  • Fold in finely chopped white chocolate or toasted almonds into the cake batter for added crunch and richness that complements the creamy frosting.
  • Create elegant swirls on the cake's surface using a piping bag, or dust the top with powdered sugar and arrange fresh raspberries in a beautiful pattern for a professional bakery look.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this delectable dessert without compromising taste or texture.

Serving Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Beautifully

  • Serve with Sweet Companions: Pair this luscious raspberry cream cheese cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
  • Elegant Party Presentation: Slice the cake into thin, delicate wedges and arrange on a beautiful white platter, garnishing with mint leaves or additional fresh raspberries for a stunning visual appeal at dinner parties or special celebrations.
  • Perfect Beverage Pairings: Complement the cake's rich flavors with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, a smooth cappuccino, or a glass of crisp champagne to elevate the tasting experience and balance the sweetness.
  • Seasonal Serving Suggestion: During summer months, chill the cake slightly before serving to create a refreshing dessert that brings out the bright raspberry flavors and provides a cool, creamy treat.

Store Raspberry Cream Cheese Cake Without Drying Out

  • Maximize Freshness: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the delicate layers and creamy frosting perfectly intact.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months to enjoy a sweet treat anytime.
  • Serving Smart: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to soften and become more vibrant at room temperature.
  • Prevent Moisture: Place a sheet of parchment paper between cake layers when storing to prevent the frosting from sticking and maintain the cake's pristine appearance.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Luscious Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe

Luscious Raspberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Mary’s raspberry cream cheese layer cake combines tangy cream cheese with delicate raspberry flavors. Elegant dessert layers offer rich, balanced sweetness that satisfies discerning palates and creates memorable dining experiences.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (470 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) milk
  • 2 tsps (10 ml) baking powder
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • 2 cups (300 g) fresh raspberries
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Additional fresh raspberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously grease two 8-inch circular baking pans with butter and flour, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  2. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. Butter Mixture: Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Egg Integration: Methodically incorporate eggs into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition. Infuse vanilla extract for enhanced flavor profile.
  5. Batter Formation: Gently fold flour mixture into wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Conclude with flour mixture, mixing minimally to maintain a silky-smooth consistency.
  6. Baking Process: Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing surfaces with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
  7. Cooling Stage: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Raspberry Filling: Combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Boil for one minute, then remove and cool entirely.
  9. Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until impeccably smooth. Gradually blend in powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a light, spreadable consistency.
  10. Assembly: Position first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread cream cheese frosting and raspberry filling evenly. Carefully place second layer on top, repeating frosting and filling process.
  11. Finishing Touch: Completely enrobe the cake with remaining cream cheese frosting, creating a flawless exterior. Adorn with fresh raspberries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes after frosting to set the cream cheese layer and enhance flavor stability.
  • Raspberry Balance: Use room temperature raspberries to prevent sudden temperature changes that might affect filling consistency.
  • Prevent Soggy Layers: Create a thin cream cheese barrier on cake layers before adding raspberry filling to block moisture and maintain structural integrity.
  • Frosting Perfection: Ensure cream cheese and butter are exactly room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star