Raspberry Dream Cake

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This Raspberry Dream Cake has layers of tender, moist vanilla cake and fresh raspberry filling all covered in cream cheese frosting! It’s a wonderfully simple, yet delicious cake!

A Raspberry Dream Cake with a slice removed on a silver cake stand

So the boys seem to be changing so much lately and getting so grown up. They are 18 months and after their 18 month check up I can tell you that being preemies didn’t hold them back one bit. They’ve caught up fully to where they were as far as percentiles when I was pregnant with them. Ashton is up in the 90s with his percentile and Brooks is literally off the chart. Crazy boys. They are over 27 and 31 pounds and getting quite tough for me to hold at the same time.

One thing I’ve been working with them on for a little bit now is drinking from a straw and they’ve totally mastered it now, which is neat to see. They are also really discovering that they have a mind of their own and so sitting down and planting themselves when they don’t want to do what we say is becoming a very popular behavior. And their dance moves are going from a cute little bounce to full on dancing, complete with the same little bounce, stomping, swaying and arm waving. It’s my favorite.

And yet despite all their growth, they are still the same silly boys that love being outside and playing with water. They’ll be taking a big step a week from today, and starting swimming lessons. The place we are taking them does short 10 minute lessons 4 times a week for 6 weeks, so it’s a fairly big commitment. But with drowning literally being the number one death in young kids and us around water so much, it’s a skill they’ve got to have. So survival swimming begins next week!

A slice of Raspberry Dream Cake on it's side next to a fork on a grey plate
Side view of a full Raspberry Dream Cake on a silver cake stand surrounded by raspberries

The boys have also recently developed a taste for baked goods. They initially were questionable on them and now whenever they see stuff I’m working on, they know they want to try it. Eek! There’s always so much stuff around our house, I’m hiding most of it. I just don’t want to give them too many sweets too soon. They didn’t get to try this cake, but I’m sure the day is coming.

How to Make this Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Filling

Speaking of this cake, it really is a dream! It’s modeled after the Publix Raspberry Elegance Cake, which I had recently. It really struck me because the flavors are so simple and seemingly unexciting and yet, when paired together, make an elegant and classy cake. Simple enough that you could eat it any old day but nice enough for an occasion too, and certainly not boring. The cream cheese frosting really ups the game with this cake!

To start, there’s the cake layers. I’ve mentioned using the reverse creaming method in a couple of recent cakes and have used it here as well. I promise I won’t use it for every cake now, but I have kind of fallen in love with the texture it gives a cake. It’s just SO tender! And it creates a really nice, tight crumb that is reminiscent of a bakery-style cake.

To make it, you’ll combine the dry ingredients, then slowly add in the butter one tablespoon at a time until the mixture resembles wet sand. This process of adding the fat to the flour actually coats the flour to minimize gluten formation. Ultimately it results in a more tender cake and finer crumb.

A slice of Raspberry Dream Cake with a bite removed on it's side next to a fork on a grey plate
Overhead view of a full Raspberry Dream Cake topped with whole raspberries

Next, the filling is made with some fresh raspberries that are pureed in a food processor. They are then cooked with some sugar and cornstarch to sweeten and thicken it. It thickens enough to make a nice filling, but doesn’t become super thick.

Finally, you’ve got a classic cream cheese frosting. It’s hard not to love a good cream cheese frosting and the flavor it adds compliments this cake beautifully. Frost the cake with it, then decorate it as you like.

I used my favorite 9 inch offset spatula to create some decoration around the outside, then adorned it with some fresh raspberries and few pearl sprinkles. A subtle but elegant look that reflects the simplicity of the cake itself. I hope you enjoy it!

A slice of Raspberry Dream Cake on it's side next to a fork on a grey plate

More raspberry recipes to enjoy:

White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake
Raspberry Almond Layer Cake
Raspberry Chocolate Layer Cake
Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Raspberry Goat Cheese Cheesecake
Raspberry Roll Cake

Print
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A Raspberry Dream Cake with a slice removed on a silver cake stand
Recipe

Raspberry Dream Cake

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12-14 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Raspberry Dream Cake has layers of tender, moist vanilla cake and fresh raspberry filling all covered in cream cheese frosting! It’s a wonderfully simple, yet delicious cake!


Ingredients

Vanilla Cake Layers

  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (325g) cake flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature

Raspberry Filling

  • 2 1/2 cups (320g) raspberries
  • 4 tbsp (60ml) water
  • 1 cup (207g) sugar
  • 3 tbsp + 1/2 tsp cornstarch

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 16 oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (172g) butter, room temperature
  • 10 cups (1150g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch or two of salt

Instructions

Vanilla Cake Layers

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare three 8 inch cake pans with parchment paper in the bottom and baking spray on the sides.
  2. Combine the milk, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract in a large bowl, then separate about 3/4 cup of the mixture into another bowl or measuring cup. About 1 1/4 cups should remain in the other bowl. Set both aside.
  3. In a large mixer bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
  4. With the mixer on the lowest speed, add the butter about a tablespoon at a time, allowing it to incorporate before adding the next tablespoon. As you add more butter, the mixture will start to clump together a bit a should end up resembling wet sand.
  5. Add the larger of the reserved egg mixture (about 1 1/4 cups) to the dry ingredients/butter mixture. Stir on the lowest speed until it’s incorporated, then scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  6. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until light and fluffy, about 45 seconds to a minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  7. Turn the speed down to low and slowly add the remaining egg mixture in a slow stream until incorporated.
  8. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then turn speed back up and mix until well combined, about 10-15 seconds.
  9. Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans and bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. Remove cakes from the oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. The cakes will pull away from the sides of the pan a little as they cool.

Raspberry Filling

  1. To make the raspberry filling, add the raspberries and water to a food processor and puree until smooth. If you’d like, you can strain the puree to remove the seeds.
  2. Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Stir in the raspberry puree.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring consistently until mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Allow to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Refrigerate and allow to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. When ready to build the cake, make the frosting. Add the cream cheese and butter to a large mixer bowl and beat until well combined and smooth.
  2. Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt mix until well combined.
  4. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth.

Build the Cake

  1. To put the cake together, use a large serrated knife to remove the domes from the top of the cakes so that they’re flat. Refer to my tutorial, if needed.
  2. Place the first cake on a serving plate or a cardboard cake round.
  3. Pipe a dam of frosting around the outside of the cake. Refer to my tutorial, if needed. Spread about 1/2 of the filling evenly on top of the cake.
  4. Place the second cake on top and add another dam of frosting and the remaining raspberry filling.
  5. Top the cake with the final cake layer and frost with the remaining frosting. Refer to my tutorial, if needed.
  6. If desired, use a 9 inch offset spatula to create a design in the sides of the cake. Pipe shells around the top edge of the cake. I used Ateco tip 847. Finish off the cake with some fresh raspberries.
  7. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve. If possible, remove the cake from the fridge 1-2 hours before serving so that it comes closer to room temperature.
  8. Store in a cake carrier or well wrapped with plastic in the fridge. Best if eaten within 3-4 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 785
  • Sugar: 109.6 g
  • Sodium: 329.2 mg
  • Fat: 25.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 134.7 g
  • Protein: 7.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 97.9 mg

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205 Comments
    1. Lindsay

      You can freeze the cake layers prior to frosting the cake. Just wrap them well in clear wrap and foil before freezing them and thaw them in the fridge before using.

  1. Allyson

    Hi there! I’m just curious how you’d compare this vanilla cake to your other “moist vanilla layer cake” that doesn’t use he reverse creaming method (as in taste/texture). Do you prefer one over the other? Thanks!

    1. Lindsay

      Gosh, that’s a tough one and I really think it depends on personal preference. The reverse creaming method creates a tighter crumb that is kind of velvety and smooth. It’s really lovely. But you also might think of it as being more dense because the crumb is more tightly packed, so to speak. My regular vanilla cake has a looser crumb, so I think of it as being lighter and that’s generally the kind of cake I gravitate towards. But this one is really delicious too. Again, it depends on personal preference, the specific cake and what you’re going for with that cake. I’ve used the reverse creaming method in a few places where I really do think the different texture of the cake compliments the overall cake, and this is one of those places. But you could certainly use the regular vanilla cake too.

  2. Allison

    This recipe sounds great! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for adding Lemon to the cake itself? I would love to get a nice lemon flavor to match with the raspberry.

  3. Christina Cox

    This cake was excellent. Made it for my daughters birthday and the whole family loved it. Moist, dense and flavorful! I did make some changes – only had two 8” pans so baked about 28 minutes. After cooling, I cut each layer into two. Also had only 8 oz of cream cheese so i subbed 8 oz of mascarpone and added one cup heavy cream, one cup powdered sugar and one tablespoon of vanilla.
    Definitely making this again.






    1. Lindsay

      I can’t tell you the exact ingredients for reducing it. It might be best to just bake the full cake in two layers. The layers may turn out a little bit more dense that way. And you may not need quite all the frosting. You should be able to cut the filling in half.

      1. Tina

        I am so bummed out. I followed directions exactly as written for the cake batter. I did not over mix, as someone below commented may have been the reason someone else’s cake didn’t turn out correctly. The rounds are thin and dense. Should I have sifted the cake flour? 🙁

      2. Lindsay

        Sifting shouldn’t make a huge difference in the way it bakes. I can’t see your cake layers to know how thin is thin. They should be about an inch thick. If they didn’t rise properly, it could be that you over mixed the batter or that your baking powder is out of date.

  4. Kristy

    I want to do strawberry instead of raspberry. Would I fix it the same way and the same amounts as the raspberry?

    1. Lindsay

      I have not frozen it. Typically it’s best to freeze only the individual cake layers. I would wrap them well before freezing and thaw them in the fridge before using. I probably wouldn’t freeze them for more than a month.

  5. Suelyn

    Tried to make this cake don’t know what went wrong the batter was not fluffy it was very liquidy and lumpy, I took my time to go through the instructions, I didn’t even bother to put in cake pan batter didn’t look right at all.

  6. Gina DeMarco

    I have seen this cake in Publix numerous times,and I would like to make it myself, but I don’t like cream cheese (or any other kinds of cheese). Do you have a vanilla frosting recipe that’ll be perfect for this particular cake?






  7. Hannah

    I LOVED this cake!!! I made it for my birthday dinner, and all my friends were obsessed with it!! I put the cream cheese frosting in between the layers as well just to make it a little taller, and then put the filling in too. It was amazing!!






  8. Samantha L

    I’m going to try out this recipe this week. I’m just wondering if there’s something I can substitute the vegetable oil with. I’m soy free, so we try to stay away from it.

    1. Kelsey K

      Try using olive oil, I do gluten free cakes and olive oil is a great substitute I hardly bake with veg oils. My mother in law also cannot do soy so she chooses to do olive oil for everything as well. 1-1 ratio and I think it makes things very moist compared to other oils.

    1. Lindsay

      It should last about a week. I would probably make it a few days ahead at most so it doesn’t go bad in the cake if you have leftovers.

  9. Wanzhu Zhao

    This is a great recipe, the only thing I changed was the amount of sugar in every single component otherwise it’s just too sweet. I knew from looking at the amount it would be too much for my family’s taste so used 1 cup for the cake, half a cup for the raspberry and five cups for the icing. It turned out great. I love the reverse creaming method, very light crumb and perfect texture for the frosting. The other thing is I don’t have vanilla extract so I used two vanilla beans instead. Great flavor, im saving this for future as well!






  10. Ann

    I made this for my son’s birthday and it was perfect. I tried it again as a practice for my daughter’s wedding…doubled the recipe and used 12″ pans. It turned our totally rubbery. Any suggestions?






    1. Lindsay

      I’m glad you enjoyed it the first time around! I don’t really make any 12 inch cakes, so it’s hard for me to say exactly. I wouldn’t think that that would change the result. I’m not really sure, I’m sorry.

  11. Ivy

    My 8 year old requested raspberry filing cake and while I would normally make a copycat bundt cake from a well known place – I decided to try yours. I did reduce the powdered sugar leaving out 250g in the icing, which by the way came out just as great and not overly sweet, but the cake itself seemed quite dry despite baking it for only 22 min. I was hoping for a more moist cake. Edible but on the hunt for something more moist.






  12. Kathryn

    This cake recipe was awesome!!! I made this dairy and gluten free and it was still amazing! You could not tell that it was gluten or dairy free at all. It was so fluffy and light! I used King Arthur gluten free flour, almond milk, and country crock dairy free butter. It got RAVE reviews from my family. Thank you so much for the amazing recipe.






Lindsay
About Lindsay

I’m the baker, recipe developer and photographer behind Life, Love and Sugar. I love sharing trusted recipes with helpful tips to give you great results.

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29