Vanilla Raspberry Sheet Cake

by

(Soft, Moist Vanilla Cake with Fresh Raspberry Flavor)

This Vanilla Raspberry Sheet Cake is a beautiful, easy dessert with a tender vanilla cake base, sweet-tart raspberries, and a creamy frosting. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or any gathering where you need a simple cake that feeds a crowd!

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Sheet Cake:

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Raspberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh raspberries
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For the Creamy Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup raspberry puree (optional)

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh raspberries 🍓
  • White chocolate curls
  • Lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar
  • Whipped cream
  • Mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to:

350°F (175°C)

Grease a:

9×13-inch sheet pan

or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a bowl whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

In another bowl beat:

  • Butter
  • Sugar

for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add:

  • Eggs one at a time
  • Vanilla

Mix in:

  • Milk
  • Sour cream

Alternate with dry ingredients until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake:

30–35 minutes

until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Raspberry Filling

In a saucepan combine:

  • Raspberries
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice

Cook over medium heat until berries break down.

Mix cornstarch with water.

Add to berries and cook until thickened.

Cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

Beat butter until creamy.

Add:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
  • Cream

Beat until fluffy.

Mix in raspberry puree if desired.

Step 6: Assemble

Spread raspberry filling over cooled cake.

Top with frosting.

Decorate with fresh raspberries.

Chill before slicing for cleaner pieces.

Extra Tips & Secrets ✨

✅ Use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.

✅ Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the cake soft.

✅ Fresh raspberries give the best flavor, but frozen works too.

✅ Chill before cutting for beautiful sheet cake slices.

Delicious Variations

🍋 Lemon Raspberry Sheet Cake

Add:

  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon glaze

🍫 Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Use:

  • Chocolate cake base
  • Raspberry filling

🥥 Raspberry Coconut Cake

Add:

  • Coconut flakes
  • Coconut frosting

🍰 Raspberry Cream Cheese Cake

Use:

  • Cream cheese frosting
  • Extra berries

🍓 Mixed Berry Sheet Cake

Add:

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

☕ Coffee
🍵 Tea
🍦 Vanilla ice cream
🍓 Fresh berries
🥛 Cold milk

Storage

Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 5 days.

Freezer:
Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Per slice (1 of 15 servings):

  • Calories: 350–450 kcal
  • Protein: 4–6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50–60 g
  • Fat: 15–22 g

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A: Yes! Cook them the same way, but drain excess liquid if needed.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving.

Q: How do I keep sheet cake moist?
A: Store covered and avoid overbaking.

Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or vanilla buttercream all work well.

Q: Can I make cupcakes instead?
A: Yes! Bake for about 18–22 minutes.

Social Media Caption Ideas ❤️

Option 1:
“Made this Vanilla Raspberry Sheet Cake and it was a dream! 🍰🍓 Soft vanilla cake, sweet raspberry filling, and creamy frosting make the perfect dessert.”

Option 2:
“Fresh raspberries and vanilla cake are a match made in heaven! 😍 This easy sheet cake is beautiful, delicious, and perfect for sharing.”

Option 3:
“A little sweetness for any occasion! 🍓✨ This Vanilla Raspberry Sheet Cake is soft, creamy, fruity, and absolutely irresistible.”

🍰🍓 Vanilla Raspberry Sheet Cake is the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert — soft vanilla cake, bright raspberry flavor, and a creamy finish in every bite! ❤️