Why You’ll Love this Raspberry Buttermilk Cake Recipe
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love this Raspberry Buttermilk Cake recipe for its simplicity and delightful flavors.
I adore how easy it’s to whip up, yet it feels so special. The tangy buttermilk adds a unique richness, while the fresh raspberries burst with sweetness, creating a perfect balance.
Plus, it bakes up beautifully, with a lovely golden crust that’s hard to resist! This cake’s moist texture keeps it delicious for days, making it ideal for sharing.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your favorite dessert lineup!
Ingredients of Raspberry Buttermilk Cake
When it comes to baking, having a solid list of ingredients is the first step to success. For the Raspberry Buttermilk Cake, you’ll want to gather everything you’ll need before you start mixing things up. Trust me, it makes the whole process go a lot smoother (and you won’t have that moment of panic when you realize you forgot to buy sugar).
So, let’s get into what you’ll need to whip up this delightful cake.
Ingredients for Raspberry Buttermilk Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk
- 1 cup raspberries (about 5 ounces)
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. First off, using fresh raspberries is key; they add that juicy burst of flavor that makes this cake sing.
If fresh berries are out of season or you can’t find any, frozen raspberries will work too—just be sure to thaw and drain them first, or you might end up with a very colorful cake that looks like it had an accident.
And as for the buttermilk, if you find yourself without any, you can mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to create a quick substitute. Who knew baking could be so forgiving?
How to Make Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

Alright, let’s plunge into the sweet and slightly messy world of making Raspberry Buttermilk Cake. First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F and get that rack sitting right in the middle. This is essential because we want that cake to bake evenly, not end up with a burnt top and a gooey center.
While that’s warming up, don’t forget to butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Trust me, this step is non-negotiable if you want your cake to come out looking all lovely and not stuck to the pan like a bad breakup.
Now, grab your mixing bowl and start whisking together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This little mixture is what gives your cake that nice rise and fluffy texture.
Once that’s done, it’s time to give your 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2/3 cup of sugar a good beating with an electric mixer. Aim for about 2 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy—think cloud-like fluffiness, not dense and sad.
Once you’ve achieved that, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 large egg, mixing until everything is well combined.
Here comes the fun part: at low speed, mix in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with 1/2 cup of well-shaken buttermilk. Start and end with the flour, and remember, we’re going for just combined here—not overmixing. Nobody wants a tough cake.
Once that batter is in the pan, smooth out the top with a spatula, and now it’s time for the star of the show—1 cup of raspberries. Scatter those juicy gems on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar.
Pop that beauty into the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
After a brief cool-down in the pan, flip it out onto a rack and let it cool a bit more. And there you have it—your very own Raspberry Buttermilk Cake, ready to impress everyone, including yourself. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your baking adventure.
Raspberry Buttermilk Cake Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve whipped up that delicious Raspberry Buttermilk Cake, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
You can easily substitute the raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or even diced strawberries for a different flavor. If you’re out of buttermilk, using milk mixed with a splash of vinegar works well.
For a fun twist, add lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla. You could also incorporate nuts like chopped almonds or walnuts for added texture.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a cozy touch. Enjoy your baking adventure!
What to Serve with Raspberry Buttermilk Cake
What pairs well with Raspberry Buttermilk Cake? I love serving this delightful cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream; it adds a light, airy touch.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements the cake’s fruity notes perfectly. For a bit of tang, I sometimes drizzle a simple lemon glaze on top.
If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar elevates the presentation. A cup of tea or coffee rounds out the experience, enhancing the cake’s flavors.
I find that fresh berries on the side make it even more inviting, adding a burst of color and taste.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Raspberry Buttermilk Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately.
Using fresh raspberries will enhance the flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen ones work too—just don’t thaw them first. For a more pronounced vanilla flavor, feel free to add an extra splash of extract.
I also suggest letting the cake cool completely before slicing; it’ll hold its shape better. If you want to elevate your cake, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Most importantly, enjoy the process and savor every bite!