If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavors and stunning layers, this Raspberry Dream Cake is it! With layers of bakery-style yellow cake, fudgy brownies, and tangy cream cheese icing, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Add a drizzle of raspberry sauce, a touch of ganache, and fresh raspberries, and you’ve got a dessert that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this dreamy cake from scratch.
Ingredients for Raspberry Dream Cake
This cake has a bit of everything: fluffy yellow cake, fudgy brownies, rich cream cheese icing, and a fresh raspberry sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
Raspberry Sauce:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries
- ¾ cup fresh or frozen cranberries (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (28g)
- 2 tablespoons water (30ml)
Cake Layers:
- 1 recipe Bakery Style Yellow Cake (find the full recipe linked here)
- 1 recipe Fudge Brownies (link to the recipe)
- 1 recipe Cream Cheese Icing (link to the recipe)
Ganache (optional but highly recommended):
- 4 ounces vegan chocolate
- 6 tablespoons plant-based milk
Garnishing:
- Cacao nibs (about ½ cup)
- Fresh raspberries (4 ounces)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Raspberry Dream Cake
1. Prepare the Cake Layers
- Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper, and preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Make the Bakery Style Yellow Cake by following the recipe instructions. Divide the batter equally between three 7-inch cake pans.
- Bake the cake layers as instructed and let them cool completely before moving on to the next steps.
2. Bake the Fudge Brownies
- Once the cakes are cooled, wash the cake pans and re-grease & parchment line them.
- Prepare the Fudge Brownies batter and divide it equally between the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Be careful not to over-bake! The tops should puff slightly, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs.
3. Make the Raspberry Sauce
- Combine the fresh or frozen raspberries, cranberries (if using), sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop, and the raspberries will break down into a sauce. Once done, transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool in the fridge.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
- Follow the Cream Cheese Icing recipe and set it aside. The icing should be smooth and spreadable.
5. Optional Ganache
- In a small saucepan, combine the vegan chocolate and plant-based milk over medium heat.
- Whisk constantly until smooth and shiny, then set it aside at room temperature.
6. Assemble the Raspberry Dream Cake
- Begin with a yellow cake layer, then add a brownie layer, followed by a generous layer of cream cheese icing.
- Drizzle the raspberry sauce between layers, and top with more icing.
- Optionally, drizzle with ganache, and garnish with fresh raspberries and cacao nibs.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t over-bake the brownies: The brownies should remain fudgy, so be sure to check them early to avoid drying them out.
- Sweeten the raspberry sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to adjust the sugar to taste.
- Ganache: For the smoothest ganache, whisk continuously while the chocolate and milk melt together.
How to Store the Raspberry Dream Cake
- Room Temperature: The cake can sit at room temperature for one day. The cream cheese icing doesn’t require refrigeration for this short period.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake wrapped loosely in the fridge for up to 10 days to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled cake (or individual slices) wrapped well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Dream Cake
This Raspberry Dream Cake is everything you need in a dessert: rich, indulgent, and absolutely beautiful. The fudge brownies paired with the yellow cake layers create the perfect combination of textures, while the cream cheese icing and raspberry sauce bring in a fruity freshness that balances the richness. Add the optional ganache and garnishes, and you’ve got a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply treating yourself, this cake is bound to become your go-to dessert.
