(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! ❤️