Tired of searching for that perfect dessert that balances elegance with incredible flavor? White chocolate raspberry cake delivers the perfect harmony of sweet and tart that will impress at any gathering.
This velvety, moist cake melts in your mouth with each bite, bringing together the richness of white chocolate and the bright pop of raspberry in a dessert masterpiece.
As part of the Cooks Foody team, Elizabeth has perfected this recipe through countless iterations in her Austin kitchen. What began as a simple birthday cake experiment has evolved into one of our most requested recipes.
Like many of you, she struggled with balancing flavors and achieving that perfect texture, but those kitchen challenges led to the foolproof method we’re sharing today.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through selecting quality ingredients, mastering the perfect cake texture, creating a show-stopping presentation, and answering all your white chocolate raspberry cake questions. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, this recipe will elevate your dessert game to new heights.
Why This White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Works
● Uses affordable, high-quality ingredients available at most grocery stores
● Balances sweet white chocolate with tart raspberries for flavor complexity
● Works for special occasions or everyday indulgence
● Can be prepared in stages to fit your schedule
● Creates a stunning visual presentation with minimal decoration skills
Choosing the Right White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Ingredients
Best White Chocolate for Baking
Quality white chocolate makes all the difference in this cake. Look for products containing cocoa butter (not vegetable oils) listed in the first few ingredients. For best results, choose white chocolate with at least 30% cocoa butter content. Brands like Ghirardelli, Valrhona, or Callebaut offer exceptional baking results, but even good-quality grocery store options will work well.
Raspberry Selection Tips
For the filling and decoration, you have several options:
- Fresh raspberries: Best for decoration and seasonal flavor
- Frozen raspberries: Perfect for the filling and available year-round
- Raspberry preserves: Creates a concentrated flavor for filling layers
- Freeze-dried raspberries: Excellent for garnish and powder for frosting
Flour and Leavening Considerations
Cake flour creates the most tender crumb, but all-purpose flour works with a simple adjustment (subtract 2 tablespoons per cup and replace with cornstarch). Fresh baking powder is crucial if yours is older than 6 months, replace it to ensure proper rising.
White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Ingredients & Prep

Cake Batter Essentials
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 6 ounces white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
Raspberry Filling Components
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
White Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 6 ounces white chocolate, melted and cooled
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Instructions

Pre-Baking White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Melt white chocolate in 30-second intervals in the microwave or using a double boiler, stirring between intervals. Allow to cool slightly while preparing other ingredients.
White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Batter Method
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour (3 additions of flour, 2 of buttermilk).
- Fold in the melted white chocolate by hand using a spatula until just incorporated.
Baking White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Raspberry Filling Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds (optional).
- Cool completely before using.
Pro Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Avoiding Common White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Mistakes
- Temperature matters: All refrigerated ingredients should be at room temperature for proper incorporation and even baking.
- Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to prevent a tough cake.
- Even layers: Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally between pans.
- Cool completely: Never assemble or frost a warm cake patience leads to perfect results.
White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Tool Recommendations
- Digital kitchen scale for precise measurements
- Stand mixer or high-powered hand mixer
- Offset spatula for frosting
- Cake turntable for professional-looking decoration
- Piping bags and tips for frosting details
Storage & Make-Ahead White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Tips
- Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months
- Assembled cake keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature 30-60 minutes before serving for best flavor
- For cleaner slices, cut cake with a hot knife (run under hot water and wipe dry)
White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Flavor Variations
Citrus-Infused White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the cake batter for a bright, complementary citrus note that enhances the raspberry flavor.
Vanilla Bean White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Replace regular vanilla extract with the seeds from one vanilla bean pod for intense vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with white chocolate.
Coconut White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Add ½ cup toasted coconut to the batter and replace some of the heavy cream in the frosting with coconut cream for a tropical twist.
| Variation | Added Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | As written | Sweet white chocolate balanced with tart raspberry | Special occasions |
| Citrus-Infused | Lemon/orange zest | Bright, refreshing, tangy | Spring/summer celebrations |
| Vanilla Bean | Vanilla bean seeds | Rich, aromatic, sophisticated | Weddings, anniversaries |
| Coconut | Toasted coconut, coconut cream | Tropical, creamy, exotic | Summer gatherings |
Looking for more dessert inspiration? Our Oreo Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars offer another delicious layered treat!
Serving White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Suggestions
This show-stopping cake deserves thoughtful presentation and pairings:
- Serve with a small scoop of raspberry sorbet or vanilla bean ice cream
- Pair with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar
- Complement with a cup of Earl Grey tea or white chocolate hot chocolate
- For coffee lovers, serve alongside a cappuccino or latte
- Garnish plates with a raspberry coulis drizzle and fresh mint leaves
For a complete dessert spread, consider adding our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs during holiday gatherings or Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls for a varied dessert table!
White Chocolate Raspberry Cake FAQs
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of baking bars?
While white chocolate chips can work, they often contain stabilizers that affect melting. If using chips, look for premium brands with higher cocoa butter content for better results.
Why did my white chocolate seize when melting?
White chocolate is sensitive to heat and moisture. Melt slowly using low heat or short microwave intervals, stirring frequently. Never allow water to contact the chocolate while melting.
Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?
Yes! A hand mixer works well, though you may need to beat the butter and sugar a bit longer to achieve the same fluffiness.
How do I prevent my cake layers from doming?
For flatter layers, wrap soaked fabric baking strips around your pans before baking, or reduce oven temperature to 325°F and bake a few minutes longer.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! Fill liners 2/3 full and reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes. Core each cupcake and fill with raspberry filling before frosting.
Conclusion
White chocolate raspberry cake combines elegant presentation with irresistible flavor, making it perfect for celebrations or when you simply deserve something special. The contrasting flavors of sweet, creamy white chocolate and tart, vibrant raspberries create a balanced dessert that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice.
Find more baking inspiration and save your favorite recipes on our Pinterest we’re constantly adding new ideas to inspire your next kitchen creation!
Print
White Chocolate Raspberry Cake: The Ultimate Dessert Indulgence
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and decadent White Chocolate Raspberry Cake layered with silky white chocolate buttercream and tart raspberry filling a stunning dessert for any special occasion.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 cup milk
4 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup raspberry jam or preserves
2 cups fresh raspberries
White Chocolate Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 oz white chocolate, melted and cooled
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
7. Fold in melted white chocolate until fully combined.
8. Divide the batter evenly among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Cool cakes completely before assembling.
10. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam between each cake layer, followed by a layer of buttercream.
11. Frost the entire cake with white chocolate buttercream and decorate with fresh raspberries.
Notes
Chill the cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs.
You can use raspberry puree instead of jam for a more tart filling.
For extra elegance, drizzle melted white chocolate on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: white chocolate raspberry cake, layer cake, special occasion dessert, raspberry buttercream cake
