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Raspberry Orange Layer Cake

A delightful dessert combining fresh raspberries and juicy oranges with a smooth cream cheese frosting - perfect for celebrations and everyday enjoyment.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 2.5 cups 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour For a light and fluffy base
  • 1.75 tsp 1 3/4 tsp baking powder Ensures the cake rises beautifully
  • 0.25 tsp 1/4 tsp baking soda Adds additional lift
  • 0.5 tsp 1/2 tsp salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors
  • 0.5 cup 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, room temperature Provides creamy texture and rich flavor
  • 0.5 cup 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist and tender
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar Sweetens and helps achieve a golden color
  • 0.5 tsp 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Imparts a warm, aromatic note
  • 4 large 4 large eggs Bind the ingredients together for structure
  • 0.75 cup 3/4 cup (180ml) milk Adds moisture and richness
  • 0.5 cup 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice Adds vibrant citrus flavor
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp fresh orange zest Intensifies the orange notes with a burst of aroma
Raspberry Filling
  • 1.75 cups 1 3/4 cups (219g) raspberries Juicy and tangy for a fresh filling
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp cornstarch Thickens the raspberry filling
  • 2.5 tbsp 2 1/2 tbsp water Dissolves the cornstarch for a smooth consistency
  • 0.5 cup 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp (130g) sugar For sweetness in the filling
  • 0.5 tbsp 1/2 tbsp lemon juice Adds brightness to the raspberry filling
Frosting
  • 16 oz 16 oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature Provides a rich, creamy frosting base
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 cup (172g) butter, room temperature Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting
  • 10 cups 10 cups (1150g) powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract Another layer of flavor in the frosting
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp orange zest Brightens up the frosting
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp raspberry filling (above) For adding the filling color to the frosting
Syrup and Decoration
  • 2 tbsp Orange and pink/red gel icing color, optional For decorative frosting shades
  • 6 tbsp 6 tbsp fresh orange juice, about 2–3 oranges For the syrup and added moisture
  • 4 tbsp 4 tbsp (29g) powdered sugar For sweetening the syrup

Method
 

Preheat and Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing them with non-stick baking spray and placing parchment circles at the bottom.
Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat until light in color and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs
  1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until mostly combined after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients
  1. Add half of the dry ingredient mixture to the batter and mix until mostly combined. Then, add the milk, orange juice, and zest, mixing until smooth. Lastly, add remaining dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Bake the Cake Layers
  1. Divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 18-23 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
Prepare the Raspberry Filling
  1. Puree the raspberries in a food processor, then strain to remove seeds. In a bowl, combine cornstarch and water. In a saucepan, combine raspberry puree, cornstarch slurry, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook the Filling
  1. Cook the raspberry mixture over medium heat, stirring until thickened and at a gentle boil for about 8-10 minutes. Let it boil for 1 minute, then refrigerate until cool.
Make the Frosting
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and butter, and beat until smooth. Gradually add half the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth before adding the remainder.
Divide and Color the Frosting
  1. Divide frosting into two bowls. Add orange zest to one and raspberry filling to the other, mixing separately. Optionally add gel icing colors.
Prepare the Syrup
  1. Combine fresh orange juice and powdered sugar for syrup.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Level the tops of cooled cake layers if needed. Place first layer on a serving plate, drizzle with 4 tbsp syrup, pipe a dam of orange frosting, and spread half the raspberry filling. Repeat with second layer and add the third layer on top.
Frost the Outside
  1. Use remaining frosting to cover the cake, creating an ombre effect. Use an icing smoother for blending.
Decorate
  1. Pipe a decorative border on top with any remaining colored frosting and optionally decorate with fresh raspberries and orange slices.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Sift dry ingredients for aeration, chill frosting if soft. Level cake layers for even presentation and experiment with flavors.