Galentine's Raspberry Rose Cake

Name: Galentine's Raspberry Rose Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup buttermilk; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon rose water; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh raspberries; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons raspberry puree; 1 tablespoon water

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely adore making this Galentine's Raspberry Rose Cake for my friends! The combination of tart raspberries and fragrant rose water creates a delightful treat that beautifully captures the spirit of friendship. Every slice is moist and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration. I love surprising my guests with the unexpected twist of floral notes, and the vibrant colors make it absolutely stunning. It’s a fun way to show appreciation to my favorite gals while indulging in something truly special.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:54:31.035Z

Each time I make this Galentine's Raspberry Rose Cake, it feels like I'm assembling a little piece of art. The first time I used a blend of fresh raspberries and rose water, I was surprised by how complementary the flavors were. I learned that using high-quality rose water makes a notable difference in the final taste, infusing the cake with a delightful aroma that makes everyone curious about the secret ingredient.

In my experience, allowing the cake to cool completely before glazing it with a raspberry syrup really enhances the flavor profile while keeping it moist. It's a detail that avoids a soggy base and gives my friends a memorable experience, as they savor each bite full of sweetness and floral essence!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A beautiful balance of tart and sweet flavors
Floral notes elevate a classic dessert to something special
Ideal for celebrating friendships with an elegant touch

      

Mastering the Rose Water Flavor

Rose water is a key ingredient in this cake, bringing a unique floral aroma that harmonizes with the tartness of the raspberries. When adding rose water, be cautious not to overdo it; just one teaspoon is enough to impart a delightful essence without overwhelming the other flavors. If you’re unable to find rose water, a gentle alternative is to use orange blossom water, which will lend a similarly aromatic sweetness while perfectly complementing the cake’s fruity notes.

To achieve the best flavor profile, consider using high-quality rose water sourced from Middle Eastern grocery stores or specialty shops. The freshness and concentration of the rose essence can significantly impact the final taste, making your cake extraordinary.

Tips for Perfect Raspberries

Fresh raspberries are delicate and require gentle handling. When folding them into the batter, do so with care to prevent them from breaking apart, which can turn your cake a pinkish hue. If you're finding it tricky to find fresh raspberries, consider using frozen raspberries instead—just be sure to thaw and gently pat them dry before incorporation to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

If you'd like to step up the flavor of your raspberries, you can coat them lightly in flour before adding them to the batter. This technique helps them hold their shape during baking and prevents them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring a delightful burst of berry in every slice.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After baking, let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving. If you plan to make it ahead of time, you can store the layers wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unfrosted cake layers. They can be frozen for up to three months; just ensure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then glaze and assemble.

This cake shines on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Adding a few fresh raspberries or even edible flowers on top can also enhance its visual appeal, making it a stunning centerpiece for any celebration.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful cake:

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon rose water
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh raspberries

Raspberry Glaze Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons raspberry puree
1 tablespoon water

Once you have your ingredients ready, you can begin the baking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a beautiful Galentine's Raspberry Rose Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and mix until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and rose water to the butter mixture, then mix until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the fresh raspberries.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Prepare the raspberry glaze by mixing powdered sugar, raspberry puree, and water until smooth.

Serve

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread some glaze over it, then top with the second layer. Drizzle more glaze over the top before slicing and enjoying!

Make sure to share your beautiful cake with friends!

Pro Tips

For an added flair, consider decorating the cake with additional raspberries and edible flowers. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance the presentation for special occasions.

Baking Techniques and Temperature

When baking this Galentine's Raspberry Rose Cake, it’s essential to use a reliable oven thermometer. Ovens can often run hotter or cooler than indicated, which affects your cake's rise and texture. Ideally, you want a golden edge and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted in the center of the cake after about 25 minutes. If your cake appears to be browning too quickly, consider rotating the pans halfway through baking.

For those who are new to baking cakes, using parchment paper at the bottom of your pans can help prevent sticking. Just cut out circles of parchment to fit the bottom and grease the sides of the pans before pouring in your batter. Not only does this facilitate easy removal, but it also ensures a clean slice when you’re ready to present your cake.

Adjusting the Sweetness

While the recipe calls for 1 ½ cups of sugar to balance out the tartness of the raspberries, you can adjust the sugar depending on your personal preference or the ripeness of your fruit. If your raspberries are particularly sweet, you might consider reducing the sugar by ¼ cup. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter cake, adding an extra tablespoon or two can enhance the overall flavor.

For a healthier twist, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or an equal measure of a sugar substitute like erythritol. Keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the cake's moisture and texture, so slight adjustments could alter the cake’s final result.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with flavors by incorporating additional ingredients like lemon zest or cardamom into the batter for added depth. Both can beautifully complement the raspberry and rose flavors, giving a unique twist to your cake. Mixing in some finely chopped pistachios not only adds a delightful crunch but also contributes to a beautiful color contrast when served.

For a creative finish, consider topping your cake with a layer of whipped cream and garnishing it with candied rose petals or a scattering of more fresh raspberries. Not only does this add visual appeal, but it also amplifies the floral notes, making your Galentine's Raspberry Rose Cake even more memorable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

→ What can I substitute for rose water?

If you don't have rose water, you can use a few drops of almond extract for a different but equally delightful flavor.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store any remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to glaze and serve.