Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the ultimate dessert combination with this Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss recipe. Moist red velvet cake layers are beautifully complemented by a luscious raspberry filling and cream cheese frosting, creating a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Your guests will adore the vibrant color and delightful flavor fusion that makes this cake a true standout.
This Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss brings a unique twist to the classic red velvet cake with the added burst of raspberry flavor. Perfect for parties or intimate gatherings, this cake is sure to impress!
The Magic of Red Velvet
Red velvet cake has a rich history that dates back to the Victorian era, often celebrated for its deep red color and luxurious texture. The unique taste of red velvet is derived from a combination of cocoa powder and buttermilk, which adds a subtle tartness to the sweet cake. This flavor profile pairs perfectly with fruity fillings, making it a great choice for a variety of desserts, including our Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss. The vibrant color contrasts beautifully with the raspberry filling, creating an eye-catching dessert that is sure to impress.
One of the standout features of red velvet cake is its moistness, which comes from the use of vegetable oil in the batter. This makes it distinct from traditional cakes that may use butter, resulting in a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The addition of cocoa powder gives the cake a hint of chocolate flavor without overpowering the overall taste. Combined with the creamy frosting and fruity filling, red velvet becomes a multidimensional dessert experience that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Raspberry Filling: A Tangy Twist
Raspberry filling brings a burst of freshness and vibrant flavor to this cake, enhancing its taste and visual appeal. The tartness of the raspberries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, creating a balanced flavor that keeps your palate engaged. This layer of filling not only adds a delightful taste but also introduces a beautiful jewel-toned color that complements the red velvet layers perfectly. Using fresh raspberries maximizes the flavor, but you can also opt for frozen ones in a pinch.
Making the raspberry filling is quite simple and can be done while your cake layers are baking. By cooking the raspberries with sugar and lemon juice, you create a thick yet easy-to-use filling that enhances the overall texture of the cake. The cornstarch helps to thicken the mixture, ensuring it holds its shape when layered between the cake. This homemade filling is much more flavorful than store-bought alternatives, allowing you to control the sweetness and tanginess to match your preferences.
Perfecting the Cream Cheese Frosting
No red velvet cake is complete without a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. This frosting is known for its rich and tangy flavor, which ideally complements the sweetness of the cake and the tartness of the raspberry filling. The smooth texture of the frosting allows it to spread easily, creating a beautiful finish on your cake. Mixing the cream cheese with unsalted butter ensures a creamy consistency, while the powdered sugar adds the sweetness needed without making it too heavy.
When making the cream cheese frosting, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This will allow for smooth blending and a fluffy texture. You can also experiment with flavors by adding a hint of lemon zest or almond extract to elevate the frosting even further. This versatile frosting can be used not only for cakes but also for cupcakes and cookies, making it a wonderful recipe to keep in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Raspberry Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until just combined. In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda and vinegar, and then fold this mixture into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Raspberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of raspberry filling on top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with extra raspberries if desired.
Enjoy your Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss!
Frequently Asked Questions
One common question about red velvet cake is whether it needs to be refrigerated. Since the cream cheese frosting contains dairy, it is best to store the cake in the refrigerator, especially if there are leftover slices. However, you can serve it at room temperature; just let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting a bit.
Another question often asked is about the food coloring in red velvet cake. If you're looking for a more natural approach, consider using beet juice as a substitute for red food coloring. This will give your cake a lovely hue while still maintaining its signature flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This addition provides a creamy contrast to the cake, enhancing the texture and flavor experience. You can also pair it with a light raspberry sauce or berry compote to amplify the fruity notes.
For a festive touch, garnish the top of your cake with fresh raspberries and mint leaves before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a refreshing bite that complements the rich cake. Consider presenting slices on elegant dessert plates, drizzled with chocolate sauce or served alongside a cup of coffee for a sophisticated dessert experience.
Baking Tips
To ensure your red velvet cake turns out perfectly, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour, as too much can lead to a dense cake. Additionally, always sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and promote even mixing.
Once baked, allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. If you frost a warm cake, the frosting can melt and slide off. For best results, chill your layers in the refrigerator after cooling to set them before applying the cream cheese frosting, which will make assembly much easier.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
→ How do I store the leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss
Experience the ultimate dessert combination with this Raspberry Red Velvet Bliss recipe. Moist red velvet cake layers are beautifully complemented by a luscious raspberry filling and cream cheese frosting, creating a show-stopping treat that’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Your guests will adore the vibrant color and delightful flavor fusion that makes this cake a true standout.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 1 cake
What You'll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Raspberry Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until just combined. In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda and vinegar, and then fold this mixture into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of raspberry filling on top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with extra raspberries if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 4g