
This raspberry soft cake blends a light, airy texture with tangy fruit flavors. The melting center gently dissolves in your mouth, releasing subtle hints of vanilla and the captivating scent of red berries. Though simple, this elegant dessert adds a touch of indulgence to any time of day.
I made this soft cake for my sister's birthday last month and everyone was impressed. The lightness combined with pockets of melty raspberries created a moment of pure delight. Even those who usually avoid fruity desserts couldn't resist its amazing texture.

Delightful flavor harmony
- Farm eggs: go for quality eggs at room temperature for better mixing and rising - they're key to getting that airy, soft texture
- Unsalted butter: pick good butter and melt it gently without overheating, as it gives the cake its richness and signature softness
- Raspberries: choose fragrant and slightly firm berries so they keep their shape while baking - their natural tartness works wonderfully with the cake's sweetness
The softness secret
- Careful preparation:
- In a big bowl, beat eggs with sugar for at least three minutes until pale and fluffy. This step puts air into the mix and ensures your cake turns out light.
- Gentle mixing:
- Pour in the cooled melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg-sugar mixture. Stir softly to keep the air bubbles intact. This gentle touch helps maintain the batter's fluffiness.
- Smooth combination:
- Sift the flour, baking powder and salt directly onto the wet ingredients. Fold them in with a spatula using upward motions to keep the batter from deflating.
- Adding fruit:
- Gently add raspberries to the batter, pushing them in slightly. Save a few to place on top before baking, which will create small, colorful melty pockets throughout.
- Watchful baking:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for exactly 22 minutes. Timing matters: the cake should be slightly golden around the edges but keep a soft center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Vital resting:
- Let the cake cool for ten minutes in its pan before removing it onto a rack. This rest lets the inside structure settle while keeping that soft center that makes this dessert so special.
Raspberries are the star ingredient in this treat. Their strong flavor and slight tanginess turn a basic cake into something truly memorable. My family always grew these little red berries in our garden, and I can still remember the amazing smell that filled the kitchen when my mom made this soft cake.

Tempting presentation
Serve this cake while still warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a fancier version, add a dollop of vanilla whipped cream and some fresh raspberries. In summer, a scoop of yogurt ice cream placed on the warm cake will create an amazing contrast of temperatures and textures.
Tasty variations
Switch things up by trying different flavor combinations. Swap some flour for ground almonds to make it even more tender with a hint of almond flavor. Add a few drops of orange blossom water for a delicate floral touch. Chocolate lovers can mix in white chocolate chips that will form melty pockets contrasting with the tart raspberries.
Best storage
Keep your soft cake at room temperature under a dome for no more than 24 hours to maintain its fluffy texture. For longer storage, put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, but warm it briefly in the oven or microwave before eating to bring back its original melty goodness. Don't freeze it as this would ruin its special texture.
Perfect pairings

Make your raspberry cake even better by serving it with lightly vanilla-flavored custard poured around it on the plate. A sauce made from fresh raspberries mixed with a bit of sugar and strained will add extra tanginess. For a refreshing touch, serve with fresh mint tea to cleanse your palate between each delicious bite.
The beauty of this raspberry soft cake lies in how simple it is. I particularly love how versatile it can be - both an everyday dessert and an elegant treat for special occasions. Every time I make it, I get that childlike joy watching it rise in the oven and then discovering those little pockets of melty raspberries that burst in your mouth. It's truly a simple, authentic pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen raspberries?
- Yep, you can use frozen ones straight from the freezer. They'll add extra juice while baking and make the cake even softer.
- → How do I know if it's done?
- The top should look golden and firm, while the middle stays a little soft. A toothpick stuck in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- → Can I prep the batter ahead?
- Sure! You can mix it up a few hours early and stash it in the fridge. Just take it out 30 minutes before baking to let it warm up slightly.
- → What substitutes can I use for raspberries?
- It works great with other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or a mix. You could even try pitted cherries for a twist.
- → How do I store this cake?
- Keep it up to two days at room temp under a cake dome, or 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat a slice for a few seconds in the microwave to bring back its softness.