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    Home » Recipes » Cakes

    Raspberry Vanilla Cake

    by Jolina | Published: May 19, 2022 | Last Updated: May 19, 2022 | 99 Comments
    This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

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    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Pin for Raspberry Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Buttercream.
    Pin for Vanilla Raspberry Cake.
    Pin for Raspberry Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Buttercream.

    Raspberry vanilla cake — your favorite vanilla layer cake filled and frosted with raspberry buttercream. Soft, tender, delicious! And it’s very easy to make too.

    (Looking for other desserts you can make with raspberries? Try this white chocolate tart with raspberries and mascarpone or start your day by drizzling homemade raspberry sauce on your waffles and pancakes.)

    Raspberry and vanilla cake on a cake platter.
    Jump To hide
    Why you’ll love making this recipe
    How to make vanilla raspberry cake
    Expert baking tips
    Recipe FAQs
    Other layer cake recipes
    Raspberry Vanilla Cake

    I love to make this cake in the spring, but it’s really a great cake to make all year-round. 

    With its pretty pink buttercream and classic vanilla layers, it’s perfect for birthdays, baby and wedding showers, and more.

    Why you’ll love making this recipe

    A slice of vanilla cake with raspberry filling.

    We probably all grew up having a vanilla cake on one of our birthdays and I just love the simplicity of it. You’ll love making this version because:

    • It’s a really good vanilla cake. Bakers need a go-to, no-fail, classic vanilla cake in their repertoire and this is mine. It’s based on Ana Olson’s recipe from her book Back to Baking so you know it’s good!
    • Raspberry and vanilla go so well together. The frosting does not bring down the lightness of the cake. The vanilla flavour does not get overpowered by the frosting.
    • We use raspberry jam to make the buttercream. Quick, convenient, available all year.
    • But you can also substitute with another flavor. No raspberry jam? Try strawberry, blueberry or blackberry. You can try this strawberry cream cheese frosting if you have fresh strawberries or this easy strawberry frosting if you have freeze-dried strawberries.
    • Make-ahead. You can make this cake when you have the time and assemble or serve when you need it.

    How to make vanilla raspberry cake

    Ingredients for vanilla layer cake.
    Cake Ingredients
    Ingredients for raspberry buttercream.
    Buttercream Ingredients

    This recipe has two components: the vanilla layer cake and the raspberry buttercream.

    Ingredient notes

    To make the cake, you’ll need:

    • All purpose flour
    • Cake flour — if you can’t find cake flour, you can easily make your own
    • Baking powder
    • Salt
    • Unsalted butter
    • Granulated sugar
    • Eggs
    • Vanilla bean paste — I love the specks of vanilla you get when using vanilla paste but you can certainly use vanilla extract. Whatever you use, try and buy the best vanilla paste or extract that budget allows. It really makes a difference. You can also try your hand at making this homemade vanilla extract recipe or even your own vanilla bean paste.
    • Buttermilk — we’ll need 1 cup of buttermilk in this recipe. Here are ideas on how to use leftover buttermilk.

    And for the buttercream:

    • Unsalted butter
    • Raspberry jam — I always use Bonne Maman, which has seeds in it. My family and I don’t mind the seeds on the frosting but if you do, buy a seedless jam. The important thing is it’s jam that you like eating on its own. You can also make your own raspberry jam; that would be amazing.
    • Confectioner’s sugar — also called powdered sugar or icing sugar.
    • Milk

    Baking tools

    As far as baking tools go, you’ll need:

    • 2 8-inch round pans
    • Electric mixer — handheld or stand mixer
    • Mixing bowls
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Wire rack
    • Optional cake decorating tools like a cake turntable, angled spatula and icing tips
    • I also always recommend using an oven thermometer and a kitchen scale

    Step-by-step photos

    How to make vanilla cake

    Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 2 8-inch round pans, line the bottom with parchment paper, grease again then lightly dust with flour.

    In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients then set aside.

    Photo collage - flour mixture in a bowl.

    In a larger bowl using a handheld electric mixer or using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

    Photo collage - sugar and butter in a bowl.

    Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each addition is incorporated.

    Photo collage - egg added to creamed butter.

    Stir in the vanilla.

    Photo collage - vanilla paste added to cake batter.

    Switch to low speed and add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk. Scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl as necessary.

    Photo collage - flour mixture added to wet ingredients.
    Photo collage - buttermilk added to cake batter.

    Transfer the cake batter into your prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of each cake comes out with minimal dry crumbs.

    Vanilla cake batter in pans.

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    How to make raspberry buttercream

    While your cakes are cooling, you can make the frosting.

    Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and raspberry jam on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.

    Photo collage - butter and raspberry jam in a bowl.

    Switch to low speed and add confectioner’s sugar a little at a time until well incorporated. 

    Photo collage - confectioner's sugar added to butter and raspberry jam.

    Once you’ve added all the sugar, add milk and beat the frosting on high speed for 2 minutes until very smooth and fluffy. 

    Photo collage - milk added to raspberry buttercream.

    At this point, check your frosting and decide if you’re happy with the consistency. 

    If not, add more sugar or milk about ½ teaspoon at a time and continue beating until you get the consistency you want. Be sure to taste the frosting as you go.

    Assembly

    To assemble, take one cake and place on a platter or cake turntable smooth side down. 

    Using a piping bag fitted with your favourite large tip, pipe a border around the cake. 

    Fill the centre with raspberry frosting. You’ll want the height of the frosting equal to the height of your border so your cake doesn’t sag in the middle.

    Raspberry filling on cake.

    Put your other cake on top, smooth side up and decorate as desired. 

    I like to chill the cake in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the frosting to set but the cake is best served at room temperature.

    Expert baking tips

    Vanilla raspberry cake topped with fresh raspberries.

    For perfect vanilla and raspberry cakes every time, remember to:

    • Use room temperature ingredients. They are easier to blend and incorporate and result to smoother batters.
    • Measure ingredients properly. Baking relies heavily on carefully measured ingredients. In my recipes, I provide both volume and weight measurements but when I’m baking, I always weigh my ingredients. A kitchen scale is an inexpensive but worthy investment in any kitchen. 
    • Don’t over bake. You don’t want your tester to come out immaculately clean because the cakes will continue to cook as they cool and end up too dry. You want your tester to come out with minimal dry crumbs.
    • Bake at the right temperature. Ovens are different — some run hot and some run cold. Investing in an oven thermometer ensures that you’re always baking at the right temperature.
    • Allow the cakes to cool before frosting. While this kind of buttercream is sturdier than others (for example, cream cheese frosting), it will still melt and become runny if you spread it on a warm cake.

    Recipe FAQs

    A slice of raspberry vanilla cake on a plate.
    Can I use jam as cake filling?


    You can absolutely use jam instead of frosting as the raspberry filling. Make sure to still pipe a border around the cake to ensure that your jam doesn’t ooze out.

    Can I make this cake in advance?


    You can make a frosted cake 1-2 days in advance. The frosting should keep it moist.

    I usually keep it uncovered in the fridge because my cake containers won’t fit (!!) but if you have one that does, it’s best to keep it covered to protect it from air and fridge smells.

    You can also bake the layers 3-4 days in advance. 

    Wrap them in cling wrap, then in foil, before keeping them in the fridge. Take them out when you’re ready to assemble.

    Best way to serve vanilla raspberry cake


    While I like to chill the cake right after frosting, it’s best served at room temperature. That way, the cake has the chance to soften up again.

    We like to serve the slices with fresh raspberries.

    Storage and shelf life


    Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge. They should stay fresh up to 3 days.

    Other layer cake recipes

    Ube Cake (Filipino Purple Yam Cake)
    Ube Cake
    Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Filling
    Lemon Curd Layer Cake
    Chocolate Chiffon Cake Recipe
    Chocolate Chiffon Cake
    Easy Yema Cake Recipe
    Yema Cake

    If you love making layer cakes, check these out:

    • Ube Cake with Ube Swiss Meringue Buttercream
    • Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Lemon Buttercream
    • Chocolate Chiffon Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
    • Yema Cake Recipe with Stable Yema Frosting

    They will be the star of any celebration!

    Vanilla raspberry cake decorated with fresh raspberries.

    Raspberry Vanilla Cake

    Author: Jolina
    Raspberry vanilla cake — your favourite vanilla layer cake filled and frosted with raspberry buttercream. Soft, tender, delicious!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine North American
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 564 kcal

    Equipment

    • 8-Inch Round Pan
    • Cake Turntable
    • Icing Tips

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Vanilla Cake:

    • 1 cup all purpose flour
    • 1 cup cake flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • ⅔ cup unsalted butter room temperature
    • 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
    • 3 pieces large eggs room temperature
    • 1 tbsp vanilla paste or vanilla extract
    • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature

    For the Raspberry Buttercream:

    • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
    • ½ cup raspberry jam
    • 3 cups confectioner’s sugar more may be needed to achieve desired consistency
    • 3 tbsp milk more may be needed to achieve desired consistency

    Instructions
     

    For the Vanilla Cake:

    • Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 2 8-inch round pans, line the bottom with parchment paper, grease again then lightly dust with flour.
    • In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients then set aside.
      Photo collage - flour mixture in a bowl.
    • In a larger bowl using a handheld electric mixer or using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
      Photo collage - sugar and butter in a bowl.
    • Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each addition is incorporated.
      Photo collage - egg added to creamed butter.
    • Stir in the vanilla until combined.
      Photo collage - vanilla paste added to cake batter.
    • Switch to low speed and add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with buttermilk. Scrape the bottom and sides of your bowl as necessary.
      Photo collage - flour mixture added to wet ingredients.
    • Transfer the cake batter into your prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of each cake comes out with minimal dry crumbs.
      Vanilla cake batter in pans.
    • Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    For the Raspberry Buttercream:

    • Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and raspberry jam on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
      Photo collage - butter and raspberry jam in a bowl.
    • Switch to low speed and add confectioner's sugar a little at a time until well incorporated.
      Photo collage - confectioner's sugar added to butter and raspberry jam.
    • Once you've added all the sugar, add milk and beat the frosting on high speed for 2 minutes until very smooth and fluffy (see note).
      Photo collage - milk added to raspberry buttercream.

    For the Assembly:

    • Take one cake and place on a platter or cake turntable smooth side down.
    • Using a piping bag fitted with your favourite large tip, pipe a border around the cake. 
    • Fill the centre with raspberry frosting. You'll want the height of the frosting equal to the height of your border so your cake doesn't sag in the middle.
      Raspberry filling on cake.
    • Put your other cake on top, smooth side up and decorate as desired. 
    • Chill in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Best served at room temperature.

    Video

    Notes

    1. Total yield depends on how thick or thin you slice your cake.
    2. After adding the milk, check your frosting and decide if you’re happy with the consistency. If not, add more sugar or milk about ½ teaspoon at a time and continue beating until you get the consistency you want. Be sure to taste the frosting as you go.
    3. See post for lots of baking tips, FAQs and step-by-step photos.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 564kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 3gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 141mgFiber: 1gSugar: 60gVitamin A: 829IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

    Happy baking! 

    Did you make raspberry vanilla cake? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

    And let’s get social! Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kara

      March 23, 2017 at 2:54 pm

      I love that you do not use artificial colors in your frosting. The raspberries make it the perfect pink!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        March 27, 2017 at 9:46 pm

        Absolutely! The raspberry jam is just the perfect pink tint, no food colour necessary 🙂

        Reply
    2. Amanda

      March 23, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      This looks amazing! Perfect for a birthday or special occasion. Saving:) Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Natanja

      March 23, 2017 at 11:13 am

      This looks like my kinda cake- light, fluffy and pink! I really wish they would finally come up with a technology where I can taste what’s on the pictures, cause I would love to take a bite off this big slice of goodness! 🙂

      Reply
    4. Brittany

      March 23, 2017 at 10:50 am

      I would choose the ” I just a want a cake” occasion, lol. Your photography is amazing, what a beautiful post (and recipe)!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        March 27, 2017 at 9:48 pm

        LOL I must say that is almost ALWAYS my reason! Thanks Brittany!

        Reply
    5. Melissa

      March 22, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      I need a slice of this cake! I love that it has a raspberry frosting, it sounds wonderful!

      Reply
    6. Catherine

      March 22, 2017 at 12:41 pm

      Dear Jolina, This cake is absolutely stunning! I love the fresh frosting and the cake itself is so light and moist. I’d love a slice of this! xo

      Reply
    7. Ashley

      March 22, 2017 at 11:20 am

      This is SUCH a gorgeous cake! I love fresh raspberries – they look like the perfect addition here.

      Reply
    8. Nellwyn

      March 22, 2017 at 9:56 am

      This sounds like the perfect cake for a spring birthday. I love raspberries but I’ve never tried to make raspberry icing before, sounds delicious!

      Reply
    9. Annemarie LeBlanc

      March 21, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      The cake looks perfect! I love the versatility of having a vanilla cake base because you can frost it or decorate it with whatever fruit you have on hand. I am saving this recipe for the vanilla cake with raspberry buttercream frosting. I’m going to make this for my mom on Mothers Day.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        March 21, 2017 at 11:23 pm

        I totally agree about the versatility of vanilla! PS: hope your mom likes it 🙂

        Reply
    10. anvita

      March 21, 2017 at 5:13 pm

      Jolina,

      That cake looks awesome. I want some now. Love the simplicity of the cake.

      Reply
    11. Gina

      March 21, 2017 at 5:13 pm

      Oh my, this looks out of this world. I am not big on desserts but I would make an exception.

      Reply
    12. T.M. Brown

      March 21, 2017 at 4:45 pm

      Everything about this dessert looks fantastic! Love raspberries and vanilla….definitely adding this to the recipe box.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        March 21, 2017 at 11:24 pm

        Thank you! Hope you get the chance to make it soon 🙂

        Reply
    13. Kim

      March 21, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      I am obsessed with raspberry, so this sounds and looks amazing! Such a great combination of flavors!

      Reply
    14. Katie Foley

      March 21, 2017 at 4:03 pm

      I think raspberry treats are so underrated! This looks like a fun change-up from the typical vanilla or chocolate on vanilla! Definitely going to keep this on the back burner for my next cake!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        March 21, 2017 at 11:25 pm

        Hi Katie! They are, aren’t they. I personally like fruity desserts. And this is quite exceptional if I say so myself 🙂 Hope you like it!

        Reply
    15. Marissa Zurfluh

      March 21, 2017 at 3:47 pm

      I totally wish I would have seen this for my husbands birthday last week. He would have loved it. However, all he got was the funfetti cake mix haha.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        March 21, 2017 at 11:27 pm

        Ahahaha! I’m sure the funfetti cake was delicious and well appreciated (not to mention so much fun!) 🙂 This can be your Happy-Birthday-Last-Week cake!

        Reply
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