Best Raspberry Cake Filling Recipes

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Combine chopped chocolate and hot coffee in a bowl. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Set aside.
• Sift sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.
• Beat eggs in a bowl using an electric mixer until slightly thickened and lemon-colored. Slowly add oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate mixture. Beat until well combined. Add sugar-flour mixture; beat on medium speed until just combined. Divide batter between the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let cool completely in pans on wire racks, about 30 minutes. Invert layers onto racks.
• While cakes are cooling, bring heavy cream, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over low heat in a small saucepan. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Add chocolate; whisk until melted. Add butter; whisk until smooth. Let ganache frosting cool until spreadable, about 10 minutes.
• While frosting and cakes continue to cool, puree raspberries in a food processor. Press through a fine mesh strainer with the back of a spoon into a saucepan. Pour in sugar and cornstarch; bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Cook until thickened and reduced, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in lemon zest. Remove raspberry filling from heat.
• Cut each cake layer in 1/2 horizontally to produce 4 equal layers. Spread 1/3 raspberry filling onto each of 3 layers and stack. Place top layer onto cake. Spread ganache frosting evenly from center of top layer down the sides of the cake.

CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY CREAM FILLING

Steps:

• CHOCOLATE CAKE.
• Prepare Chocolate Cake according to package directions in two 9 inch cake pans.
• Cool completely. For best results and time permitting, place the layers in freezer until firm.
• RASPBERRY CREAM FILLING.
• Place softened cream cheese and jam in a mixing bowl and cream together until well incorporated, about 2 minutes.
• Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it reaches desired consistency. Use more or less than 2 cups, as desired.
• Frost only ONE of the cooled layers leaving a 1 inch unfrosted margin all around the edge of the layer. Then place the other layer on the Raspberry Filling. The top layer will push the Raspberry Filling toward the edges of the cake, that's why it's important to leave the 1 inch margin.
• CHOCOLATE FROSTING.
• Beat the frosting in mixing bowl for 2-3 minutes.
• Completely frost the sides of the cake.
• Put remaining frosting in decorating bag. Using a large star tip, create a shell border around the top of the cake. The border will keep the ganache on top of the cake. Place cake in refrigerator until ganache is ready.
• RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE GANACHE.
• Combine cocoa, sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan and whisk.
• Gradually add water and jam, continue to whisk the mixture.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
• Remove from the heat and stir in raspberry liqueur, if using.
• Let cool slightly.
• Remove cake from refrigerator and pour/spread ganache on top.
• Garnish with candies or raspberries.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the sugar, milk, coffee, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, coffee granules, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended., Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. baking pans. Bake at 325° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For filling, in a large bowl, beat butter and confectioners' sugar. Add jam; beat until blended., For frosting, melt chocolate in a microwave; stir until smooth. In a large bowl, beat butter and chocolate until fluffy. Add marshmallow creme, confectioners' sugar and extract; beat until smooth., Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with filling. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Garnish with raspberries and chocolate curls. Store in the refrigerator.

RASPBERRY CAKE FILLING

Steps:

• In a small sauce pan, combined all of the ingredients and slowly bring to a boil over medium-high heat (keep stirring until thickened for best results).
• Let cool completely before spreading onto cake.

WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom and sides of three 9-inch round cake pans. Cut waxed paper into three 9-inch disks and fit into the pans.
• Combine cake mix, pudding mix, egg whites, water, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Beat using an electric mixer for 2 minutes. Fold in grated white chocolate. Pour batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the pans, 15 to 30 minutes. Turn out onto wire racks and let cool completely, about 30 minutes more.
• Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate and spread 1/2 cup of raspberry preserves on top. Place second layer on top and spread remaining preserves. Place third layer on top.
• Place white chocolate for frosting in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, about 10 minutes.
• Blend cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Add cooled chocolate and continue mixing; add vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar slowly; beat on medium speed until fluffy.
• Frost the sides and top of the cooled cake and garnish with raspberries and shaved white chocolate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

BEST CLASSIC WHITE LAYER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY-ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• For the Cake: Set oven rack in middle position. (If oven is too small to cook both layers on a single rack, set racks in upper-middle and lower-middle positions.) Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray; line the bottoms with parchment or waxed paper rounds. Spray the paper rounds, dust the pans with flour, and invert pans and rap sharply to remove excess flour.
• Pour milk, egg whites, and extracts into 2-cup glass measure, and mix with fork until blended.
• Mix cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed. Add butter; continue beating at slow speed until mixture resembles moist crumbs, with no powdery streaks remaining.
• Add all but 1/2 cup of milk mixture to crumbs and beat at medium speed (or high speed if using handheld mixer) for 1 1/2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup of milk mixture and beat 30 seconds more. Stop mixer and scrape sides of bowl. Return mixer to medium (or high) speed and beat 20 seconds longer.
• Divide batter evenly between two prepared cake pans; using rubber spatula, spread batter to pan walls and smooth tops. Arrange pans at least 3 inches from the oven walls and 3 inches apart. (If oven is small, place pans on separate racks in staggered fashion to allow for air circulation.) Bake until thin skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 23 to 25 minutes.
• Let cakes rest in pans for 3 minutes. Loosen from sides of pans with a knife, if necessary, and invert onto wire racks. Reinvert onto additional wire racks. Let cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
• For the Frosting: Beat butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed until sugar is moistened. Increase speed to medium-high (high if using handheld mixer); beat, stopping twice to scrape down bowl, until creamy and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Avoid overbeating, or frosting will be too soft to pipe.
• For the Filling: Before assembling cake, set aside 3/4 cup of the frosting for decoration. Spread small dab of frosting in center of cake plate to anchor cake, and set down one cake layer. Combine 1/2 cup of remaining frosting with almonds in small bowl and spread over first layer. Carefully spread jam on top, then cover with second cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of assembled cake. Pipe reserved frosting around perimeter of cake at the base and the top. Cut the cake into slices and serve.

WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Take two 9-inch round baking pans and either line bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking or take a shortening stick and grease the pans, then sprinkle with flour.
• Pour milk over chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
• Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl.
• Beat white sugar and butter together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually blend in melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream. Pour evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes; make sure you don't overbake. Cool for 15 minutes; remove cakes from pans. Cool completely in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make them easier to cut the layers.
• Combine heavy cream, raspberries, and sugar for filling in a small mixing bowl; beat until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Beat cream cheese and butter for frosting in a large mixing bowl on medium speed until well blended. Add melted chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy after each addition.
• Split cake layers horizontally in half. Place 1 layer on a cake plate and spread 1/3 of the raspberry filling over top. Repeat with two more layers and remaining filling. Top with last layer and frost cake with cream cheese frosting.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY & COCONUT FILLING

Steps:

• Chocolate Layer Cake In a large bowl beat margarine at medium speed until creamy.
• Gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy.
• Add egg whites and whole egg one at a time and mix well.
• In a separate container combine buttermilk and water.
• In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder, stir to mix.
• With mixer at medium speed add flour mixture alternating with buttermilk/water to the margarine mixture.
• Add vanilla extract and mix in well.
• Lightly coat 2 8-inch cake pans with vegetable spray and pour batter evenly into both pans.
• Bake at 350F for 22-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in wire rack 10 minutes.
• Remove from pans and continue to cool.
• Raspberry Coconut Filling Empty jar of raspberry preserves in a medium meshed strainer.
• Using the back of a spoon press out the"jelly" and retain the seeds.
• Mix the"jelly" with the coconut, coconut extract, and orange rind.
• Add about 1-2 T of the seeds back into the jelly mixture.
• (this is optional if you don't care for seeds).
• When cake is completely cooled spread a layer of the filling just to about 1/2" from the cakes edge.
• Set aside remaining filling.
• Sprinkle a layer of coconut flakes on top of the filling.
• Add top layer of cake.
• Frosting (Use a large double boiler as this recipe makes 4 cups) Fill the bottom of the double boiler with water and set to boil.
• Combine the first 4 ingredients in the TOP of the double boiler.
• Beat with an electric hand mixer at medium speed just to blend ingredients.
• Place top over boiling water and beat constantly at high speed for about 9 minutes, or until stiff peaks form.
• Remove from heat.
• Add vanilla and coconut extracts and mix for 1 additional minute.
• It should be at a spreading consistency now, if not continue to beat.
• Spread over top of cake and lightly sprinkle with coconut flakes (lightly toasted is nice also).
• Mix enough of the coconut flakes with the remaining filling so that you can press to"stick" it to the side of cake.

COFFEE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Add mace if desired. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk the egg, milk and vanilla; stir into crumb mixture just until moistened. Spoon into a 9x5-in. loaf pan coated with cooking spray. , In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in water until smooth. Add raspberries and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over batter; cut through with a knife to swirl. , In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter; top with nuts. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

WHITE WEDDING CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Generously grease bottoms and sides of each square cake pan with solid shortening. Sprinkle with flour to coat pans; tap to remove excess flour.
• To make batter for 6- and 8-inch pans, in large bowl, beat 2 boxes cake mix, 2 1/2 cups water, 2/3 cup oil and 6 egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Spread 2 1/4 cups batter in 6-inch pan and 4 1/4 cups batter in 8-inch pan. Cover remaining batter with plastic wrap; refrigerate.
• Place both pans about 3 inches apart on middle oven rack in oven. Bake 6-inch cake 40 to 45 minutes and 8-inch cake 45 to 50 minutes. Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on cooling racks 15 minutes. Remove cakes from pans; place top sides up on cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• To make batter for 12-inch pan, in large bowl, beat 2 boxes cake mix, 2 1/2 cups water, 2/3 cup oil and 6 egg whites with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add batter to batter set aside in refrigerator; stir to combine. Spread 9 cups batter evenly in pan.
• Bake 12-inch cake 50 to 60 minutes. Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling rack 25 minutes. Remove cake from pan; place top side up on cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Each tier is made up of 2 layers of cake. To make another 6- and 8-inch layer, wash and dry both pans. Prepare pans again as directed in Step 1. Fill pans as directed in Step 2. Bake and cool as directed in Step 3.
• Wash and dry 12-inch cake pan. Prepare pan again as directed in Step 1. For second layer, make batter, fill pan, bake and cool as directed in Steps 4 and 5.
• To make frosting, in large bowl, stir together 8 cups powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon meringue powder. With electric mixer on low speed, beat in 1 cup shortening, 1/2 cup milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 teaspoon almond extract; beat on medium speed until smooth. Add additional milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, to make frosting spreadable consistency. Transfer frosting to another large bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Make frosting as directed 3 more times.
• To assemble cake, with serrated knife, cut off domed top crust of each cake layer to form a flat surface. Carefully brush off crumbs from cakes.
• Place about 1 tablespoon frosting on serving tray where first cake layer will be placed to keep cake from sliding on tray. Place 1 (12-inch) layer, cut side up, on tray. Place large round decorating tip in decorating bag; fill with frosting. Pipe around top inside edge of cake layer, forming a thick frosting border about 3/4 inch high. Spread 1 cup raspberry filling over top of cake inside frosting border. Top with second 12-inch cake layer, cut side down.
• For 6- and 8-inch layers, make cardboard square to place cake tiers on by placing bottom of cake pans on cardboard; trace around pan edge. Cut out with scissors. For 6-inch tier, place small amount of frosting on center of cardboard square to hold cake in place. Place 6-inch cake layer, cut side up, on cardboard. Pipe a frosting border around top inside edge of cake. Spread 1/4 cup raspberry filling over top of cake inside border. Top with remaining 6-inch cake layer, cut side down. Repeat for 8-inch tier, using 8-inch cardboard square, both 8-inch cake layers and 1/2 cup raspberry filling.
• To frost 6- and 8-inch tier, stir frosting. Using large spatula, carefully spread thin layer of frosting over sides of cakes, then over tops. Use spatula to push frosting, never allowing spatula to touch cake. (The purpose of this technique is to seal the crumbs to make frosting the cake easier.) Apply second thicker layer of frosting to sides and tops of cakes, spreading until smooth.
• For a stacked cake where tiers are placed directly on top of one another, each tier will need to be supported by several dowel rods. To mark where to place 8-inch tier on top of 12-inch tier, center 8-inch cake pan, turned upside down, on top of 12-inch tier and gently press to make imprint; remove pan. Insert 1 dowel rod into center of 12-inch tier, straight down to tray. Mark rod with exact height of tier; remove rod. Cut 7 more rods to marked length. Insert rods into 12-inch cake, spacing evenly 1 1/2 inches apart within imprinted outline on 12-inch tier. Place 8-inch tier on top of 12-inch tier.
• Mark 8-inch tier with imprint of 6-inch cake pan; remove pan. Cut and insert 8 dowel rods for 8-inch tier as directed in Step 13. Top 8-inch tier with 6-inch tier.
• Use remaining frosting to decorate cake as desired. Add royal icing flowers.

FRENCH VANILLA BUTTER CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• ---Cake---.
• Preheat oven to 350F, grease a 10" springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter and vanilla sugar until fluffy.
• Add egg yolks, honey and vanilla, beating well.
• In a cup or small bowl, stir together buttermilk and yogurt until smooth.
• Beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, alternate additions of flour and buttermilk mixtures, beating well after each one.
• With clean beaters, whip egg whites until soft peaks, fold into the batter.
• Pour into the prepared pan.
• Bake on the lowest rack of the oven, covering with foil halfway through, 55-60 minutes, until it tests done.
• Cool in the pan 1 hour, then refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour before unmoulding.
• ---Vanilla-Raspberry Filling---.
• Dissolve the sugar and salt in the boiling water. Cool to room temperature.
• Add the meringue powder and use a mixer to beat on slow speed until the powder is dissolved and the mixture is foamy.
• Increase the speed and beat 3-4 minutes longer.
• Beat in the vanilla followed by the icing sugar.
• Add the butter and shortening a few tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the puree and lemon juice.
• Chill 30 minutes before use.
• ---Very Vanilla Buttercream Frosting---.
• Dissolve the sugar and salt in the boiling water. Cool to room temperature.
• Add the meringue powder and use a mixer to beat on slow speed until the powder is dissolved and the mixture is foamy.
• Increase the speed and beat 3-4 minutes longer.
• Beat in the vanilla followed by the icing sugar.
• Add the butter and shortening a few tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is thick, creamy and fluffy.
• Chill 30 minutes before use.
• ---Ganache---.
• In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, melt together chocolate, cream and shortening until smooth.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool 10 minutes. Gently re-warm if necessary for even spreading.
• ---Assembly---.
• Level the top of the well-chilled cake and slice horizontally into three even layers.
• Place bottom layer on a cake round.
• With an offset spatula or palette knife, spread ½ of the Vanilla-Raspberry Filling in an even layer over the bottom round and top with the second layer.
• Spread second layer with remaining ½ of the filling and place the final layer on top.
• Using some of the remaining frosting, apply a thin "crumb coat" over the entire outside of the cake.
• Refrigerate 1 hour.
• Finish covering the top and sides of cake with the remaining frosting, making it as smooth as possible.
• Freeze 30 minutes.
• Pour ganache gently onto the centre of the top of the cake and spread to form "drips" or a "shadow" effect down the sides.
• Allow cake to set at room temperature, then keep in the refrigerator until serving.

VANILLA CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING & LEMON BUTTERCREAM ICIN

Steps:

• Cake:.
• Beat butter at medium speed until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix at low speed after each addition until blended. Stir in flavorings.
• Pour batter into three greased and floured 9 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 23 minutes or until a wooden tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove from wire pans and cool completely on wire racks. Slice cake layers in half horizontally to make six layers. Place one layer, cut side up, on a cake plate; spread with 2 1/2 tablespoons preserves. Repeat procedure with remaining 5 layers and preserves, omitting preserves on top of last layer.
• Icing:.
• Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until spreading consistency.

CLASSIC WHITE LAYER CAKE WITH BUTTER FROSTING AND RASPBERRY ALMOND FILLING

Steps:

• 1. Set oven rack in middle position and pre-heat to 350. 2. Spray 2 9-inch cake pans with non-stick spray, place parchment rounds on bottom of pans, spray parchment rounds, and dust whole pans with flour, tapping out excess (I used non-stick spray with flour) 3. Pour milk, egg whites, and extracts in 2-cup measure, mix with fork until blended 4. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed. Add butter, continue beating at slow speed until mixture resembles moist crumbs. 5. Add all but 1/2 Cup of milk mixture and beat at medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 Cup of milk mixture and beat 30 seconds more. Scrape down sides and beat another 20 seconds on medium. 6. Divide batter evenly between 2 pans, making sure batter is spread to sides and top is smooth. Arrange pans at least 3 inches apart and bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 23-25 minutes 7. Let the cakes rest 3 minutes, loosen cake from sides of pan if necessary and invert onto wire racks. Reinvert and let cool completely, about 1 1/2 hour. 8. For the Frosting: Beat butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, milk, and salt in bowl of electric mixer at slow speed until sugar is moistened. Increase speed to medium-high, beat, stopping twice to scrape down bowl, until creamy and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Avoid overbeating 9. For the Filling: Combine 1/2 cup of frosting with the toasted chopped almonds and spread over the first layer. Carefully spread the jam on top, then cover with second cake layer. Spread frosting over top and sides of assembled cake. If enough frosting left over, pipe around perimeter of cake at base and top. 10. Coat sides of cake with toasted sliced almonds and top cake with fresh raspberries.

ALMOND CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. spray two 9 inch cake pans with non stick coating ( I use Pam baking spray)
• 2. Beat together the almond paste and eggs until smooth, don't worry about small granules of the almond paste they melt away during baking
• 3. add cake mix, water and oil to the almond mixture and beat for 2 minutes or until smooth.
• 4. divide batter evenly between the two cake pans. bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. cool and remove from pans
• 5. place one layer on a serving plate and spread the preserves to within one inch of the edge, top with remaining layer and frost with desired frosting.

WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MOUSSE CAKE FILLING

Steps:

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SPICE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING AND CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Spray bottoms and sides of two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans with baking spray with flour.
• Make and bake cake mix as directed on box for 8- or 9-inch rounds. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around side of pans to loosen cakes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
• In medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla.
• On serving plate, place 1 cake, rounded side down. Spread with 1 cup frosting. Sprinkle 1 cup of the raspberries over frosting. Top with second cake, rounded side up.
• Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Arrange remaining 1 cup raspberries on top of cake along edge.
• In 1-quart saucepan, heat jelly over medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted. Brush melted jelly over berries. Garnish with mint leaves. Store covered in refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE MOCHA CAKE WITH RASPBERRY BUTTERCREAM FILLING & CHOCOLATE FLUFF FROSTING RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Steps:

• CAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter, or spray with non-stick baking spray, 2 8x2-inch round cake pans (I used three cake pans). Line the bottoms with parchment paper, grease the paper, and then flour the pans (gently tap out any excess flour) or spray with non-stick spray Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, & salt in a large bowl or in bowl of stand mixer. Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, & vanilla. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. (Batter will be thin.) Bake for approximately 25 minutes (approx) or until toothpick comes out clean. If using three pans, check the baking time at about 15 to 20 minutes. NOTE: The first time I bake a new cake recipe, I always check my cakes at 5 minutes less than the recommended baking time, just to be sure I don't overbake the cake. A toothpick inserted, should come out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before releasing them onto cooling racks; remove the parchment paper. Cool completely before adding the filling and frosting. RASPBERRY FILLING (can be made a day in advance; just cover it well and to keep it refrigerated): In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with paddle attachment (or any large mixing bowl, if using hand-held beaters), beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy (about 3 to 5 minutes). Add the raspberry jam and beat to combine. Turn the mixer down to low speed, and add the confectioners' sugar. Beat until smooth. Cover and set aside until ready to use. Note: The frosting is very smooth and not super thick. FROSTING: In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with paddle attachment (or any large mixing bowl, if using hand-held beaters), beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy (about 3 to 5 minutes). Easy way to melt chocolate: microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes, stir and set aside. Add the melted, cooled chocolate and beat until well combined and fluffy. On medium-speed, add the marshmallow cream, almond extract, and confectioners' sugar. Once everything is combined, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the smooth and fluffy. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. [Note: The frosting can also be made a day in advance, just be sure to keep it well covered and chilled until ready to use.] ASSEMBLE THE CAKE: If the cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to gently slice off a thin layer...just enough to give them an even surface. If the layers are pretty even, I simply set each layer, with the bottom side "up" and frost it from there. If the raspberry cream filling has been in the refrigerator, give it a good stir to soften it up a bit. (If it's too stiff, leave it covered at room temperature until spreadable.) Spread the raspberry cream over one of the cake layer. Place the other layer on top of the filling. Frost the rest of the cake (top and sides) with the chocolate buttercream. Serve the cake at room temperature. This cake is rich, so smaller slices will go a long way.

RED VELVET CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F Coat 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray and line bottoms of pans with wax paper or parchment paper.
• Measure out 3 cups cake flour by spooning into measuring cup and leveling with a knife.
• Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
• Set aside.
• In another bowl, beat granulated sugar and butter with a mixer at medium speed for 4 minutes or until well blended.
• Add egg whites to sugar mixture, beat at medium speed for 5 minutes or until fluffy.
• Combine buttermilk, food coloring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
• Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until moistened.
• Pour batter into prepared pans.
• Tap pans sharply on counter to remove any large air bubbles.
• Bake at 350°F for 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean (do not overbake).
• Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
• For frosting: Combine cream cheese and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl.
• Beat with a mixer at high speed for 3 minutes or until fluffy.
• Add powdered sugar and beat at low speed just until blended.
• To assemble cake: Place 1 cake layer on plate; spread with jam; top with second cake layer.
• Spread frosting over top and sides of cake.
• Store cake loosely covered in refrigerator.

VANILLA HEART-SHAPED CAKE WITH RASPBERRY-AND-CUSTARD-FILLING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread coconut in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until dry but not browning, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely on sheet.
• Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Butter a 10-by-2-inch heart-shaped cake pan (see cook's note for product link). Line bottom with parchment, butter parchment, and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a heatproof bowl set over (but not in) a pot of simmering water, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla seeds until sugar has dissolved and mixture is warm. Remove from pot and beat on high speed until thick and pale, about 4 minutes. Add flour mixture; whisk just to combine. Add butter; whisk to combine. Add crème fraîche, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk to combine.
• Scrape batter into prepared pan, smooth top, and bake until top springs back when lightly touched and a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes, then invert onto rack, remove parchment, and let cool completely. Cake can be made ahead to this point, wrapped in plastic, and stored at room temperature up to 1 day.
• Whisk pastry cream to lighten, then whisk heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream into pastry cream. Using a serrated knife, split cake in half horizontally. Use a 4 1/2-to-5-inch heart-shaped cutter to cut out center of bottom layer. Spread a thin layer of cream mixture (about 1 cup) over other (uncut) layer, then arrange about 2 3/4 cups berries over cream, covering entire layer.
• Dollop about 1 1/2 cups more cream mixture over berries, spreading with an offset spatula to cover. Place cut-out layer on top, bottom-side up. Fill heart-shaped hollow with remaining cream mixture. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or, covered, up to 24 hours.
• Frost top and sides of cake with crème-fraîche whipped cream. Sprinkle border with coconut. Arrange remaining 1 1/4 cups berries over cream mixture in heart-shaped hollow. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or, covered, up to 8 hours.

LEMON CORNMEAL CAKE WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• For filling:
• Puree berries in processor. Strain into heavy medium saucepan. Add sugar and cornstarch. Stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, about 3 minutes. Cool. Cover; chill until cold, about 2 hours.
• For cake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter 9-inch-diameter cake pan with 2-inch-high sides. Line bottom with parchment paper. Butter parchment. Dust pan with flour; shake out excess. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into medium bowl. Stir in cornmeal. Add to butter mixture and beat just until blended. Mix in lemon peel and extract.
• Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake until cake is golden and toothpick inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 35 minutes. Transfer cake to rack, cool. Using knife, cut around pan sides to loosen cake. Turn cake out. Peel off parchment.
• For frosting:
• Beat cream, sugar and extract in large bowl until soft peaks form. Beat in 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon peel. Set aside 2/3 cup frosting for decoration.
• Using serrated knife, cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Using bottom of 9-inch-diameter tart pan as aid, transfer 1 layer to platter. Spread half of filling over. Spread 1 cup frosting over filling. Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining filling over. Spread 1 cup frosting over filling. Top with third cake layer. Spread sides and top of cake with remaining frosting. Press nuts onto sides of cake. Spoon reserved 2/3 cup frosting into pastry bag fitted with medium star tip. Pipe around top edge of cake. Sprinkle top of cake with 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon peel. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.)