Imagine biting into a delicate, golden butter cakeโsoft, warm, and gently sweetโbefore swirling your fork through a pool of tangy raspberry sauce that brightens every bite. Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce are a showstopper dessert that looks impressive on any table, but theyโre surprisingly simple to make at home. The buttery crumb paired with a fresh, jewel-toned sauce makes this dish a love letter to real ingredients and homemade baking. Whether youโre celebrating or just making an ordinary day special, this recipe turns moments into memories with its irresistible flavor and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a starring role, whether itโs for the ultra-tender cakes or the vibrantly flavored raspberry sauce that completes them. Hereโs what you need to line up:
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure itโs at room temperature so your cakes turn out extra light and moist.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the raspberriesโ tartness.
- Eggs: They help with structure and richness, creating a tender crumb in the butter cakes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Go for a light touch when mixing to keep the texture soft, never dense.
- Baking Powder: Just a bit lifts the cakes to fluffy new heights.
- Salt: A pinch brings all the flavors into sharp, delicious focus.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds an aromatic warmth that sings alongside the butter.
- Whole Milk: Gives moisture and richness, ensuring every bite is tender.
- Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: Choose the ripest you can find for glorious color and flavor in the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce and keeps the taste fresh, never cloying.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the sauce without graininess and also makes for a beautiful dusting finish!
How to Make Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Letโs get started by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a muffin or mini cake pan generously with butter or nonstick spray; this helps the cakes pop right out later. Setting your ingredients out ahead of time, especially the butter and eggs, makes sure everything blends smoothly for that signature cake fluffiness.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and creamyโthis typically takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is absolutely crucial for creating those melt-in-your-mouth Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce. Donโt rush yourself; the better the creaming, the better the crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition so everything emulsifies perfectly. Splash in the vanilla extract, and take a moment to breathe in that sweet aromaโyou know something delicious is coming together!
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour to keep the batter silky and prevent overmixing. You want a light, luscious batter for the best possible Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pans, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to settle the batter, then place in the oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 6: Make the Raspberry Sauce
While the cakes bake, combine your raspberries, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and mash the berries gently as they warm; once they break down and the mixture bubbles, simmer for about 4โ5 minutes until thickened but still pourable. Strain for a smoother sauce or leave it chunky for a rustic flairโeither way, the tangy, jewel-colored sauce pairs perfectly with your cakelets.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
To serve, nestle each butter cake on a plate and drizzle generously with that glorious raspberry sauce. A final dusting of powdered sugar is totally optional, but highly encouraged for that โwowโ factor. Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce are best enjoyed slightly warm, so donโt wait too long before diving in!
How to Serve Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce

Garnishes
Dress each dessert plate with a handful of fresh raspberries, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a sprig of mint to make the colors pop. A dusting of powdered sugar over the top gives your Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce a little touch of magic and elegance.
Side Dishes
If youโd like to round out the dessert experience, a scoop of vanilla or lemon ice cream makes a divine pairing, melting gently into the fruity sauce. Or try serving your butter cakes with a bowl of whipped cream or crรจme fraรฎche for a beautiful, creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mini cakes look stunning on a tiered tray for tea parties or brunches. For a family-style dessert, arrange the cakes on a platter with a pitcher of raspberry sauce on the side so everyone can pour their ownโinteractive and elegant! You can also layer cake pieces and raspberry sauce in parfait glasses for a modern twist on Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If youโre lucky enough to have any leftovers, let the cakes cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days so they stay moist and delicious.
Freezing
Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce are freezer-friendly! Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. Theyโll keep well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and theyโll taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them. Freeze the raspberry sauce separately in a freezer-safe jar or container.
Reheating
To enjoy your cakes warm, microwave them on low power for 10โ15 seconds, or heat them in a 300ยฐF oven for about 5 minutes. Reheat the raspberry sauce gently on the stove or at half power in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to restore its lovely, pourable consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for the sauce?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work just as well as fresh ones. Thereโs no need to thaw them first; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for the sauce and itโll turn out beautifully vibrant and flavorful.
Do these cakes work as cupcakes?
Yes! These Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce make beautiful cupcakes in standard muffin tins. Just be mindful of the baking timeโcheck for doneness at the 18-minute mark by testing with a toothpick.
How do I make the raspberry sauce without seeds?
If you prefer a silky-smooth sauce, simply push the cooked raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after simmering. This removes the seeds and leaves you with a gorgeous, glossy sauce tailored for drizzling.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just double (or even triple) all the ingredients and bake in batches as needed. The more Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce you serve, the happier your guests will be!
Whatโs the best way to make the cakes extra moist?
Be sure to use room-temperature butter and eggs, and avoid overbakingโstart checking your cakes for doneness a couple of minutes before the suggested time. A splash more milk can make the crumb extra tender too.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce is one of those little acts of love that pays off in every delicious sense. Itโs a treat thatโs both easy and impressive, bursting with flavor and color. Go ahead and give this recipe a place in your kitchenโyour friends and family will thank you, and youโll find yourself returning to these cakes again and again!
Print
Butter Cakes with Raspberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic butter cake is tender, moist, and rich, making it the perfect partner for a bright, tangy homemade raspberry sauce. Serve it as a delightful finale to a dinner party or for a special afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Raspberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter โ Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake โ Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Raspberry Sauce โ In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally until the berries begin to break down and the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve โ Slice the cooled cake and serve with generous spoonfuls of warm or room temperature raspberry sauce on top.
Notes
- You can use frozen raspberries if fresh are not availableโno need to thaw them before cooking.
- For an extra-decadent touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- The cake can be baked a day in advance and kept airtight at room temperature.
- Store leftover raspberry sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with sauce
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *