Raspberry Cake Filling

This Raspberry Cake Filling is sweet, tangy, and bursting with real raspberry flavor! It’s the perfect layer for chocolate, vanilla, or lemon cakes, and just as good piped into cupcakes or sandwich cookies. With only a few ingredients and a short simmer on the stove, this homemade filling tastes so much fresher (and better!) than anything from a jar!

Use this delicious raspberry filling in any of these tasty recipes! Chocolate Raspberry Cake, White Chocolate Raspberry Pie Crumb Bars, and Raspberry Crumb Bars.

Why This Recipe Works

Simple ingredients, big flavor. You don’t need anything fancy here, just raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch! I love recipes like this because they let the fruit do all the talking. The berries break down into this glossy, ruby-red filling that’s sweet and a little tart, and honestly, I could eat it straight from the spoon (and sometimes do).

Perfect texture for layering. I’ve had my fair share of cake fillings that were either too runny or too stiff, and it’s so frustrating when the layers slide around. This one sets up beautifully after a night in the fridge. It’s smooth and spreadable but firm enough to hold its shape between cake layers, or piped into cupcakes if you’re feeling fancy.

A make-ahead baker’s dream. I’m all about recipes you can prepare ahead of time. You can make this raspberry cake filling days before you need it, which makes assembling cakes a whole lot less stressful. It also tastes even better after chilling, so honestly, it’s a win-win.

Endless possibilities. Sure, I originally made this for my Chocolate Raspberry Cake, but it’s one of those recipes that found a permanent spot in my fridge. Swirl it into buttercream, spoon it over cheesecake, or spread it between sugar cookies. I even love it on toast in the morning! It’s basically jam’s cooler cousin.

Ingredients

• Raspberries: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully. Frozen berries are perfect if raspberries aren’t in season. If raspberries are in season, I highly recommend using fresh raspberries! 
• Sugar: Sweetens the tart berries and helps the filling thicken.
• Cornstarch: The key to getting that smooth, jam-like texture without being runny.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor a bit!

Here’s How to Make It

1. Cook the Raspberries: Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and set over a medium high heat. Stir occasionally until all the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture has started to simmer.

2. Thicken: Leave to cook on a relatively high simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the raspberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened.

3. Chill: Once the mixture is cool enough to refrigerate, chill overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
4. Use & Enjoy: Beat well with a spoon before using to fill layer cakes or piping into cupcakes.

Pro Tip! My absolute favorite dessert to use with this raspberry filling is my chocolate raspberry cake! 

Expert Tips

• Use frozen raspberries for convenience. They’re picked at peak ripeness and make this filling affordable year-round. There’s no need to thaw them first, just add them to the pan and cook a few minutes longer.
• Stir often while simmering. Raspberries can scorch easily once they start thickening. Stirring prevents sticking and ensures a smooth, even texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling step. The filling needs several hours in the fridge to set properly. This helps it firm up enough to spread or pipe without dripping out of your cake layers.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste. If your raspberries are very tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar. Taste as you go to get the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
• Double it for larger cakes. This recipe makes about one generous cup which is enough to fill an 8-inch layer cake. For taller or multi-layer cakes, simply double the batch!

FAQs

More Recipes to Try

• Easy Strawberry Shortcake – tastes like summer!
• Banana Crepe Filling – turns every crepe into pure comfort.
• Apple Dutch Baby – one bite and you’ll never crave regular pancakes again!
• Raspberry Crumb Muffins – muffins worth waking up for.
• Lava Cakes – pure chocolatey bliss!