Smooth and delicious, this bundt cake recipe will make you a fan of white chocolate and raspberries! The flavors are subtle and deep at the same time. The crumb is dense and tender, and the cake lasts for several days. The white chocolate ganache on top makes it scrumptious!
Who knows, it might become your new favorite cake
If you haven't tried the combination of white chocolate and raspberries in a cake, this recipe will be a nice surprise. It's a wonderful and festive burst of flavors.
I can offer you a thought, a good one, when it comes to bundt cake recipes.
If you find a plain recipe that works and makes a delicious cake, stick to it and work around it when looking for different flavors that don't clash too much with the original. Adjust a little here, change a bit there, but don't remove the main body of the cake.
This is how this cake came to be. A simple vanilla cake that got dressed for the occasion.
I didn't see the need to look for a completely new recipe to save myself from the possibility of an epic failure, given that the times of year this cake gets done on repeat are: hectic holiday months or in the Summer when I get fresh raspberries, a time when turning on the oven is not something I look forward to.
This is one of the first bundt cake recipes I posted, and still the most popular one.
White chocolate in cakes
Through the years I have tried to achieve different types of crumbs in cakes. And, at some point, I realized that adding some melted white chocolate made them incredibly tender without compromising the overall flavor if the amount was small.
In this bundt cake recipe, I use it finely chopped or shaved (from a block with a kitchen knife), and the result is amazing. There is some white chocolate flavor and a silky crumb—the best of both worlds.
Ingredient list
- White chocolate: use your favorite baking bar, finely chopped. White chocolate chips were used by a reader with great results (I haven't tried them yet).
- Raspberries: my first choice is always fresh raspberries because they're sweeter and have less water content. But frozen raspberries work just as well, and I use them a lot because I make this cake year-round.
- Buttermilk: it adds a tangy undertone and creates that tender, wonderful crumb we love about this cake.
- White, granulated sugar.
- Unsalted butter.
- All-purpose flour, or cake flour, which I use often.
- Baking powder: make sure it's not expired.
- Eggs: large, fresh ones.
- Lemon zest.
- Vanilla extract.
Quantities are listed on the recipe card towards the end of this post. The Ingredients page has more details and lists the brands we use.
Variations & substitutions
- No buttermilk? Use โ unsweetened natural yogurt or sour cream and โ whole milk of the whole buttermilk amount given in the recipe. You can also make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of milk. Stir, let rest 5 minutes and use. It might curdle, and that is fine.
- Light brown sugar: use it instead of white. The cake will have a slight caramel hue.
- Other berries: white chocolate pairs very well with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.
Preparing the bundt pan
If you love making bundt cakes, you probably know the pain of not being able to remove it from the pan in one piece. It has happened to me many times!
There are several ways of dealing with this:
Shortening and flour: use soft shortening to grease the pan, every angle, every nook and cranny until it's completely covered. Using your fingers is messy but effective. You can also use a brush. Sprinkle flour and rotate the pan to cover it completely. You'll have to do it to one side and then the other. Make sure you flour the center tube. Turn the pan upside down over the kitchen sink and smack lightly it against the edge. The excess flour will fall, leaving a thin layer behind. Your pan is ready to be filled.
Cake goop or cake pan-release paste: it's one of my favorites, along with the shortening method above, because it's very effective. Mix equal parts (volume: cups or tablespoons) of shortening, flour and vegetable oil (sunflower or canola) to make a paste. Use it to coat the pan with a brush. Store it in an airtight container (I use a jar) for a month at room temperature or up to 3 months in the refrigerator.
Baking spray: use a spray labeled as having flour or specifically made for baking (as opposed to cooking). It has to have flour; otherwise, the cake will likely stick when removed. At least, that's my experience. I hardly use it anymore.
Recipe: whenever I find a great bundt cake recipe that can be easily removed from an intricate bundt pan, even though I didn’t follow step 1 above, I cling to it like life itself.
Steps to make this bundt cake
Dry ingredients
It's important to sift the flour mixture to avoid clumps or impurities. And it helps with fluffiness.
You can sift them before or have the ingredients measured and sift them directly over the butter mixture (my choice).
Integrating
The dry and wet ingredients are added in parts, alternating between the two, as it helps to integrate them better.
The berries and chocolate are folded in at the end. Go easy so you crush the raspberries as little as possible.
Vintage Kitchen Tip
After incorporating flour in a cake batter, we don't want to develop gluten, as it will toughen the baked cake. So mix *just* until it's all well incorporated but don't overbeat. I like to end mixing with a silicon spatula to ensure the ingredients are fully integrated.
Bundt pan
The bundt cake pan should be filled โ to ยพ of its capacity, no more than that. This way, the batter has space to grow and bake well.
Test for doneness
Use a toothpick or cake tester in the middle of the cake to check that it's done. It should come out clean.
Make sure the oven is preheated and at the right temperature.
White chocolate ganache
This white chocolate glaze gives this cake the extra white chocolate flavor boost it needs to live up to the name.
Ganache is a simple mix of chocolate and cream, in this case white.
Double drizzling:
To achieve a thick layer of icing, I pour it twice, making two layers.
I found that it was harder to make a single thick layer if I added more chocolate (or less cream) because the mixture was not fluid enough.
So, place the cake over parchment paper on a wire rack and drizzle the warm ganache. Pick up the glaze that dripped with a spatula to reuse it. You might need to warm the ganache again slightly before going the second time.
Raspberries in this cake
For this recipe, I use raspberries because they pair fantastically with white chocolate. And it's that time of the year when we want to see some holiday colors, isn't it?
Using berries in cakes, and bundt cakes in particular can be tricky, as they tend to go to the bottom. The type of batter has a lot to do with it: the denser the batter, the better it holds the berries in place.
- Fresh raspberries: stir them with a few tablespoons of the flour amount in the recipe before adding them to the batter. That way they will move less when the cake is baked and will be better distributed.
- Frozen berries: it's a great way to make this cake year-round, especially around the holidays. Use them directly, without thawing.
Kitchen Notes
- Organization: read the recipe first and ensure you have ingredients at the correct temperature, utensils and equipment needed, and enough workspace. This will make the process so much easier.
- Baking time: consider that all ovens and pans are different, even if they look similar. The baking time in my recipes is as accurate as possible, but it might take you more or less time. You can use a thermometer(like the OXO oven thermometer) to check that your oven is at the right temperature. I recommend keeping track of how your oven works and what tiny details you might need to adjust.
- White chocolate: grate it or chop it very finely or process it. You can use white chocolate chips too. The idea is for the chocolate to become part of the crumb, that's why we need it to be finely ground.
- Raspberries: I use frozen because I always have in the freezer, but fresh ones work too. They will bake as they want inside the cake, here and there. Use a tablespoon or two of the flour in the recipe to coat them before adding to the batter. This will help them to distribute better and not sink to the bottom and sides of the cake.
- Liquid: I love buttermilk because it tenderizes the crumb and adds a tanginess that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and sugar, but you can easily substitute it. You can make it at home and it's explained in the recipe notes.
- Batter: take the time to cream butter and sugar well, but refrain from mixing it too much after adding the chocolate and berries unless you want the raspberries to stain the whole cake. It might be fun, too.
- Bundt pan: my favorite way of preparing the pan that never failed me is to use soft shortening and patiently grease the pan well, every sharp angle or pattern detail. Then flour it, shaking off excess. Reserve until ready to fill.
- Storing: this cake keeps well for several days, wrapped in plastic wrap, and freezes beautifully for a month. But I recommend freezing the plain cake for best results, and glazing it when you plan to eat it. The plastic wrap will crush the raspberries, and the ganache will lose its shine. But if you need to freeze leftovers, just know what will happen. The cake will still be delicious.
- Serving it: You can decorate the serving plate with extra fresh raspberries or fill the middle hole with mint leaves for a touch of green. It's very festive and great for special occasions. I like it at a cool room temperature because the flavors are more vivid.
Variations
- Flavor variations: though I love this particular combination, you can use blueberries or blackberries and get great results also.
- Birthday cakes: you can make this as a layer cake, more suited for celebrating a birthday some might say. It is more laborious as you have to fill and frost. I suggest two 9-inch layers. Simply mix the cake batter until you add the white chocolate but without adding the raspberries. Pour half of the batter into each of the prepared pans and then sprinkle the raspberries on top of each, dividing evenly. Bake, let cool, fill, and frost. Use a white chocolate frosting like a buttercream for example, or a good raspberry jam for the filling would work great. Cream cheese frosting with raspberries might be another alternative, and simpler to make than buttercream. You can use this blueberry cream cheese frosting substituting raspberries.
- Cake mix: someone asked if you could use store-bought white cake mix and add raspberries and white chocolate to create a similar cake. You can, of course, but the batter might be too thin to hold the raspberries. Maybe use sour cream instead of the liquid stated in the instructions to create a thicker batter. I never tried it, but I leave it as an idea. Please give me a shout-out if you do!
Related recipes you might like:
Let me know in the comments below if you made this recipe and loved it and if you had issues so we can troubleshoot together. I love to hear what you think, always. Thanks for being here. It's much appreciated.
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Raspberry White Chocolate Bundt Cake
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Ingredients
White chocolate berry cake:
- 1 or 2 tablespoons soft shortening or margarine, to grease the bundt pan
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
- 3 ounces white chocolate, very finely chopped or grated (or use mini white chocolate chips)
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup buttermilk, or whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. See Notes below for substitutions.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, optional
- ¾ cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
Topping:
- 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy or heavy whipping cream
- โ cup raspberries, to decorate
Instructions
For the cake batter:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180°C).
- Grease with 1 or 2 tablespoons soft shortening or margarine a large 10 or 12-cup bundt cake pan. I use my fingers, but you can use a brush. Make sure every nook, cranny and angle is covered. Flour it, shaking off excess. Reserve.
- If using fresh raspberries, transfer 2 tablespoons from the total flour amount and put them in a bowl. They will be used to coat the raspberries right before adding them to the batter so they don't sink to the bottom. If using frozen ones, add them directly.
- Sift the rest of the flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoons salt. Set aside. I have the ingredients measured and sift them directly over the batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup unsalted butter until creamy. Slowly add 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar and beat for 2 minutes. Use an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
- Add 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then beat for 1 minute.
- Beginning and ending with dry ingredients, add them in 3 parts alternating with 1 ¼ cup buttermilk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in 2 parts.
- Stir ¾ cup raspberries with the reserved flour. Add them to the batter with the ¼ teaspoon lemon zest and 6 ounces white chocolate, and fold them gently with a spatula. Don't use the beater, and don't mix it too much. We want the chocolate to be incorporated but the raspberries to remain whole, coated as much as they can in flour, and not stain the batter much.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Depending on the oven and pan you're using, it might take more.
- Let cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack, then move and lightly shake the pan, grabbing it by the sides with both hands (and a kitchen towel since it's hot!). That way, the cake starts to loosen. If it doesn't, I use a small, smooth-bladed knife to separate the batter from the sides and center tube. The raspberries sometimes stick to the walls of the pan. Do this carefully.
- Once you make sure it can be removed, do so over a wire rack and let cool completely.
For the white chocolate ganache:
- Finely chop 6 ounces white chocolate and put it in a medium bowl.
- Heat ¼ cup heavy or heavy whipping cream until it is about to get to the boiling point, remove and add immediately to the chocolate, covering it. It will seem like too much chocolate for so little cream, and there is a point there. But it will melt, and you will be able to mix it. We want a thick ganache, and for that, we need more chocolate than cream.
- Let stand for a minute and whisk until smooth. If bits of chocolate remain, microwave in 5-10 seconds bursts and whisk every time until the mixture is smooth.
- Put the cold cake on a wire rack with a parchment paper underneath or on a smooth surface like the kitchen counter or marble.
- Let the ganache cool until it thickens but is still pourable. Otherwise, it will be too thin. Drizzle it over the cold cake and let it drip down the sides. It will fall onto the paper or surface. I often scrape the drippings into the bowl and use them again to add a second layer or fill some holes or thin parts. You can also pour half of the ganache, wait until it almost stops dripping and then pour the other half. That will create a double and thicker layer of glaze.
- Decorate with โ cup raspberries, chopped or whole. I used frozen for the photo because it was Winter, but I try to use fresh if I can. Keep in mind that most berries lose their shine and start releasing liquid, so, for best results, add the berries right before you serve it.
Notes
Adapted from Kiss My Bundt, by Christa Wilson
Carly says
Turned out just as expected and even better. Thanks for the recipe!
Paula Montenegro says
So happy to know that Carly!
Nita says
Hi Can I make this in a smaller bundt pan. If so how can I adjust the quantity. Thanks
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Nita, yes, you can use a smaller pan. The way to adjust is with the number of eggs: use 2 and decrease the rest of the ingredients to 2/3 of the amount written (2oz chocolate, 1 cup sugar, 1 2/3 cups flour and so on).
Carmen says
Had my eye on this recipe for some time, and finally baked it yesterday. What a wonderful combination the raspberries and white chocolate are! A fragrant, tender and delicious cake! A keeper!!
Paula Montenegro says
So happy to know that Carmen!
Sylvia says
Can I make this cake in a 9โ cake pan? What would the time be?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Sylvia, yes you can.
I recommend dividing the cake batter between 2 pans rather than one if you're making layer cake and they will take about 20-25 minutes. If it's just one layer it will take longer, I'm guessing 35-40 minutes, but it will depend on your oven. Happy baking!
Liz Hersh says
I made this cake as a surprise for my friendโs birthday. It went together like a dream. Your instructions are so clear and helpful. Every crumb was eaten and it was a beautiful presentation. I added some extra ganache (because why not) and drizzled it over the raspberries on top. Thanks so much. It added a little extra joy to a special evening.
Paula Montenegro says
Thanks for such a wonderful comment Liz, I'm SO happy it turned out well! Love the 'extra ganache because why not' lol, completely agree with you there. Have a great weekend!
Jerelyn says
What about adding almond extract instead of lemon zest? I simply don't like lemon.
Paula Montenegro says
I think that would work very well Jerelyn! It pairs well with both raspberries and white chocolate.
Oliver says
I made this cake for my sister's birthday back in March and decided to make it again for my boyfriend's birthday because it was so delicious! The first time it turned out fantastic, but this time nearly the entire top of the cake stuck to my pan and I'm left with a mess of crumbs. I couldn't be more disappointed -- not sure what I did wrong or if it was just bad luck. I'm sure the cake will still taste great even though it's a mess.
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Oliver! Such a bummer it didn't turn out well the second time. Did you use the same pan? Can it be that the bundt pan wasn't well buttered? Or raspberries stuck to the bottom and they prevented the cake from unmolding well, which is just bad luck. I'm trying to think what might've been.
Andrea Maze says
You can use white box cake. I added a box of vanilla pudding, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup oil & 1/2 cup water & 4 eggs. It pretty thick so the raspberries donโt drop. I also make a raspberry purรฉe to pour over the chocolate ganache. Delicious!
Dee Solomon says
This took an extra 20 minutes in my diamond jubilee pan, so the edges were dry. But what a yummy cake! Will definitely make again.
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Dee! Yes, different patterned bundt pans can take longer to bake. Next time, bake it at 350 for 15-20 minutes and then lower the temp to 325 and see how it goes. Glad that you liked it!
Martha Schultz says
I really want to try this recipe in a cupcake form. Do you think this will turn Put? I do realize I may have to shorten the time.
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Martha! Yes, the baking time will be shorter, and they should come out just fine. I would make the batter without the raspberries, divide it among the paper liners and then manually add several raspberries to each if you want the same amount of berries in each cupcake. Make sure you don't fill more than 2/3 of the capacity with batter before adding the raspberries.
Nishka says
I baked this cake and omg it was one of my best cakes. Excellent crumb, super moist and delicious. I used the Nordic ware tiered heart pant and wow. Iโm curious though, do you think it will be the same if I make a raspberry purรฉe and marble throughout the cake?
Paula Montenegro says
So happy to know you loved it Nishka! As for the raspberry puree, I think it's a great idea. Try not to let it touch the sides of the pan as it might stuck when baked due to the sugar content. Please let me know how it goes if you try it. Happy baking!
Kathy says
Have you ever substituted semi-sweet chocolate for the white chocolate? I was going to try that.
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Kathy, no I haven't. It should result in a speckled cake which might be interesting.
Alyssa says
Hi, when you use frozen raspberries do you thaw them out first or use them frozen?
Paula Montenegro says
Use them frozen Alyssa, straight from the freezer.
Laura Jean Bonifacio says
Hi there! If I were to use this recipe to make mini bundt cakes, would that change the cooking time?? Also, am I able to sub the flour for gluten free? Thank you!
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Laura! If you make smaller cakes, start checking them for doneness at 35-40 minutes. As for substituting GF flour, I have no idea because I hardly use it.
Chelsea Hailey says
This is a wonderful recipe! So yummy!
Cindy says
I currently work at nothing Bundt cakes and the white chocolate raspberry is my favorite there. But once i came across this recipe I HAD to try it and honestly I love it so much! Itโs so delicious, this is now my favorite cake ever!!
Paula Montenegro says
OMG Cindy, that's such an inspiring comment, thank you! I never had Nothing bundts as I don't live in the US, but I know people rave about them. Have a wonderful week.
Trixie says
Itโs amazing! Omitted the lemon zest bc Iโm not a big fan of lemon in cakes. Very moist and delicious! This recipe is a keeper! Tastes as wonder as a high priced bunt cake bake shop chain in my area!
Paula Montenegro says
So happy to know it turned out so well Trixie! Have a great week.
Sara G says
Can this recipe be baked as a regular cake instead of a Bundt?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Sara, yes you can! Find how I do it in the Variations section of the post.
Alyssa says
I made this and it was wonderful!! Can I use this exact recipe for mini Bundt cakes?
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Alyssa, so happy you liked it! You can make mini bundts for sure. Make sure you prepare the pans as directed in the recipe. Happy baking!
Wendy says
Hi! I donโt bake much, but Iโm planning to make this cake for New Yearโs Day. Can you explain Step 8 in a little more detail please? Thank you.
Paula Montenegro says
Hi Wendy! You have to alternate dry and wet ingredients when you add them to the butter mixture. This will help you incorporate them better.
So you start by adding 1/3 (eyeball it) of the flour mixture and lightly mix, then add half of the wet ingredients and mix a little, again add another third of the dry ingredients, then the last half of the wet ones, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients, always mixing after each addition. You should start and end with dry ingredients. Hope this helps. Happy baking!