Raspberry Wedding Cake Filling: A Step-By-Step Guide

Raspberry cake filling is a great way to add a burst of flavour to your wedding cake. This simple recipe can be made in advance and is a great way to add a pop of colour to your cake. You can use fresh or frozen raspberries and just a few other ingredients to make a delicious filling that will impress your guests. In this article, we will take you through the steps to make the perfect raspberry filling and offer some tips on how to assemble your cake.

Choosing your raspberries: fresh or frozen?

When it comes to choosing your raspberries, you can opt for either fresh or frozen options. Both will work well for your raspberry filling, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Fresh raspberries will offer a brighter, more vibrant colour and a slightly more intense flavour. If you decide to go with fresh raspberries, make sure they are ripe but still firm, as this will make it easier to work with them and ensure they don't break down too much during the cooking process.

Frozen raspberries are a great alternative if fresh raspberries are not in season or are difficult to source. They are usually picked at their peak of freshness and sweetness, so you can be sure of their quality. Additionally, frozen raspberries are often more cost-effective and convenient, as you can find them year-round and they typically come in the exact amount needed for your recipe.

When using frozen raspberries, there is no need to thaw them before adding them to your recipe. Simply follow the same steps as you would with fresh raspberries, and they will thaw and cook through during the process.

Whether you choose fresh or frozen raspberries, make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves before using. Additionally, keep in mind that the recipe may require slight adjustments in terms of cooking time and the amount of liquid or thickening agents used, depending on whether you opt for fresh or frozen fruit.

By choosing either fresh or frozen raspberries, you can create a delicious and vibrant raspberry filling for your wedding cake that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

How to make a basic raspberry filling

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make a basic raspberry filling:

• Fresh or frozen raspberries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Method

• Combine cornstarch and water: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch has dissolved. This mixture is called a "slurry".
• Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch slurry.
• Cook the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture with a silicone spatula, mashing the raspberries as they soften. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add vanilla extract (optional): Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if desired.
• Cool the filling: Allow the raspberry filling to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a heat-proof container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 week. The filling will continue to thicken as it chills.

Tips

• Using frozen raspberries: Frozen raspberries are a great option as they are typically frozen at their peak freshness and sweetness. You can also easily find them year-round.
• Adjusting sweetness: The raspberry filling should be slightly tart, as it will be paired with cake and frosting. However, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste preferences.
• Lemon juice: The lemon juice adds a hint of freshness to balance the sweetness of the berries and sugar.
• Vanilla extract: While optional, vanilla extract adds a delicious aroma and flavour to the filling.
• Straining the seeds: If you prefer a seedless raspberry filling, you can strain the seeds using a fine-mesh strainer after cooking the mixture. However, this will result in a smaller yield and a less thick filling.
• Thickening the filling: Cornstarch is the key ingredient that thickens the raspberry filling. Make sure to dissolve it in water before adding it to the other ingredients.

Adding extra ingredients for flavour

Adding extra ingredients to your raspberry filling can enhance the flavour and make it even more delicious. Here are some ideas for ingredients you can add to your raspberry filling to take it to the next level:

Vanilla Extract

While some bakers choose to omit vanilla extract to preserve the fresh, tart taste of the raspberries, adding a small amount of vanilla extract can add a subtle complexity to the flavour. Start with a small splash or a 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste preferences.

Lemon Zest

Lemon juice is a common ingredient in raspberry filling, but adding lemon zest can further enhance the brightness and flavour of your filling. Don't worry, your filling won't taste like lemons; it will simply add a subtle freshness.

Alcohol

For a more adventurous option, consider adding a splash of alcohol to your raspberry filling. Raspberry liqueur, such as Razzmatazz by DeKuyper, can enhance the raspberry flavour and give it a special touch. You can also experiment with other types of alcohol, such as raspberry-flavoured alcohol or a liquor that complements the raspberry flavour.

Spices

If you're feeling creative, try experimenting with different spices to add a unique twist to your raspberry filling. For example, you could substitute the lemon for other spices that complement the raspberry mixture. A small amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of ground pepper can add an unexpected depth of flavour.

Other Fruits or Berries

Why stop at raspberries? You can mix things up by adding other types of berries or fruits to create a more complex flavour profile. Try strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even pears. You can either mix and match different types of berries or use a single type as the star ingredient.

Remember, when adding extra ingredients, it's important to taste as you go and adjust the quantities to your liking. Have fun and get creative!

Thickening your filling with cornstarch

Thickening your raspberry filling with cornstarch is a simple process. Cornstarch is the magic thickener for raspberry filling and is key to a filling that's not too runny. It also helps to create a jam-like consistency.

To start, you'll need to create a "slurry" by dissolving cornstarch in a small amount of water. This can be done by whisking the cornstarch and water together until the cornstarch has dissolved. You can also use a fork to mix. For a standard 2-layer cake or 12 cupcakes, you'll need around 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2-4 tablespoons of water.

Once your cornstarch slurry is ready, add it to your raspberry mixture. If you're using frozen raspberries, combine the cornstarch slurry with your raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. If you prefer a seedless filling, strain the seeds out before adding the cornstarch slurry. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After boiling, remove the mixture from the heat and stir in some vanilla extract for extra flavour. Allow the filling to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a heat-proof container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to a week. The filling will continue to thicken as it chills.

Your thickened raspberry filling is now ready to be used in your wedding cake! Be sure to partner it with some frosting to keep your cake layers stable. Spread a thin layer of frosting on your cake layers, then pipe a "dam" of frosting around the edge of the cake layer to keep the raspberry filling in place. Finally, spread the raspberry filling inside the frosting border.

Using your filling to assemble a wedding cake

Now that you have your delicious raspberry filling ready, it's time to assemble your wedding cake! Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your cake looks and tastes amazing:

Step 1: Prepare your cake layers. Bake your chosen cake recipe and allow the layers to cool completely. You can use any flavour cake you like, but some popular options for raspberry filling include white cake, chocolate cake, or vanilla cake.

Step 2: Make a buttercream dam. Before adding the raspberry filling, it's essential to create a barrier that will prevent the filling from oozing out. Pipe a thick ring of buttercream around the edge of each cake layer. This will act as a dam and keep the filling contained.

Step 3: Spread the raspberry filling. Once your dam is in place, carefully spread a thin layer of raspberry filling inside the buttercream border. Remember to keep the filling layer thin, about 1/4" thick, to avoid any seeping.

Step 4: Add the next cake layer. Gently place the next cake layer on top of the filling. If you're making a multi-tiered wedding cake, repeat steps 2-4 for each layer, creating a beautiful stack of cake and filling.

Step 5: Frost and decorate the cake. After assembling all the layers, it's time to add a final coat of buttercream or frosting to the entire cake. This will help everything stay in place and give your cake a smooth, finished look. You can also add additional decorations like fresh raspberries, flowers, or edible pearls to enhance the beauty of your wedding cake.

Step 6: Chill the cake. Once your wedding cake is assembled, it's a good idea to chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This will help the filling set and ensure the cake stays fresh and stable.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy! Remove the cake from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. Cut into the cake to reveal the beautiful raspberry filling and enjoy the delicious combination of flavours!

Remember, it's important to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to prepare the filling and assemble the cake. The filling and cake layers should be completely cooled before assembly, and the assembled cake should be chilled before serving. With careful preparation and attention to detail, your wedding cake with raspberry filling is sure to be a show-stopper!

Frequently asked questions