White Chocolate Raspberry Spoon Cake

White Chocolate Raspberry Spoon Cake

White Chocolate Raspberry Spoon Cake

A spoon cake is, at its core, a slightly underbaked cake—soft, plush, and meant to be scooped rather than sliced. And I’ll be honest… if you don’t love that kind of texture, this probably isn’t the dessert for you.

But if you do?
This is the kind of cake that feels like pure comfort and honestly, joy.

Growing up, my dad would make boxed cake mixes in a 9×13 pan, pull them from the oven just a little early, and frost them while they were still warm. That frosting would melt right into the top, creating this soft, creamy layer that blended into the cake. It wasn’t fancy, but it was one of those desserts that just stuck with you.

This recipe is my version of that memory—made from scratch, but with that same warm, nostalgic feel.


Why You’ll Love This Cake

  • It’s incredibly soft and scoopable, not dry or crumbly
  • The frosting melts slightly into the cake, creating the best texture
  • You get pockets of melted white chocolate throughout
  • The raspberries balance everything with a bright, slightly tart flavor
  • It’s made in a simple 9×13 pan—no layers, no fuss

The Flavor Inspiration

White chocolate raspberry cake has always been one of my family’s favorite combinations. It’s the kind of cake we’d have for birthdays—sweet, creamy, a little tangy from the raspberries, and always with cream cheese frosting. But, it is SO perfect for spring!

This version takes that same flavor and turns it into something a little more relaxed and cozy. Instead of a layered cake, it’s baked in one pan, slightly underbaked, and finished while still warm so everything melts together.


What Makes This a “Spoon Cake”

This isn’t a traditional slice-and-serve cake. I mean you can, they just won’t be super clean slices.

It’s baked just until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. That’s what gives it that soft, plush texture. Once you frost it while it’s warm, the whole thing becomes something you scoop into a bowl rather than cut into perfect squares.

It’s meant to be a little messy—in the best way.


Ingredient Highlights

  • Raspberries: Fresh raspberries add brightness and balance the sweetness. Cutting them smaller helps distribute them throughout the cake.
  • White Chocolate: Using a chopped bar instead of chips gives you a mix of melty bits and small pockets throughout.
  • Sour Cream: This is what keeps the cake incredibly soft and moist.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Slightly tangy and not overly sweet, it melts into the cake and ties everything together.
  • Raspberry Preserves: Swirled on top for extra flavor and that beautiful finish.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overbake. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out. That’s what keeps it soft and scoopable.
  • Frost while warm. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes, then add the frosting so it melts slightly into the top.
  • Toss raspberries right before using. This helps prevent them from sinking too much.
  • Use a metal pan. It bakes more evenly and gives you the best texture.

Serving

This cake is best served warm, scooped into bowls, with a little extra white chocolate shaved over the top if you want to take it even further.

It’s just as good at room temperature—but warm is where it really shines.


This is one of those desserts that feels simple but ends up being the one everyone talks about. It’s easy to make, easy to bring somewhere, and somehow always disappears first.

If you’re looking for something a little different from a traditional cake—something softer, warmer, and a little nostalgic—this is it.

White Chocolate Raspberry Spoon Cake

A soft, ultra-moist white cake baked in a 9×13 pan with raspberries and chopped white chocolate layered throughout, then frosted while still warm. Slightly underbaked for a plush, scoopable texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 170 g ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted slightly cooled
  • 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 large egg yolk room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 240 g 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 180 g 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 120 g ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
Mix-Ins
  • 150 g 1 cup white chocolate bar, chopped (mixed sizes)
  • 120 g 1 cup raspberries, cut into quarters
For Coating
  • 1 tbsp flour for raspberries
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 226 g 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 85 g 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 60 –80g ½–¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
Raspberry Layer
  • 100 g 1/3 cup raspberry preserves

Equipment

  • 9×13 metal baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Whisk
  • Digital kitchen scale
  • Offset spatula
  • 3 tbsp ice cream scoop
  • Large knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
Prepare Mix-Ins
  1. Cut 120g (1 cup) raspberries into quarters and leave them on the cutting board until ready to use.
  2. Chop 150g (1 cup) white chocolate and leave on the cutting board until ready to use.
Make Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk: 170g (¾ cup) melted butter, 200g (1 cup) sugar
  2. Add: 2 eggs + 1 egg yolk, 1 tbsp vanilla
  3. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  4. Whisk in: 240g (1 cup) sour cream
Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk: 180g (1½ cups) flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
Mix Batter
  1. Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until barely combined.
  2. Add 120g (½ cup) milk and mix until barely combined.
  3. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Assemble
    Spread half the batter into the pan.
    1. Toss raspberries with 1 tbsp flour, then add: half of the raspberries, half of the white chocolate
    2. Spread remaining batter over top.
    3. Finish with remaining raspberries and white chocolate.
    Bake
    1. Bake at 325°F for 25–27 minutes.
    2. The center should still have a slight jiggle—do not bake until fully set or it will be overbaked.
    Make Frosting
    1. While the cake is baking, beat: 226g (8 oz) cream cheese, 85g (6 tbsp) butter
    2. until smooth.
    3. Add: 60–80g (½–¾ cup) powdered sugar, 2 tsp vanilla, pinch salt
    4. Mix until smooth.
    Frost & Finish
    1. Let cake cool for 10 minutes only.
    2. Dollop frosting all over the warm cake and spread gently so it melts slightly into the top.
    3. Dollop 100g (1/3 cup) raspberry preserves over the frosting and swirl using an offset spatula.
    Serving
    1. Serve warm, scooped into bowls using a 3 tbsp scoop, and top with white chocolate shavings.
    2. Also delicious at room temperature, but best warm.

    Notes

    • Cake is intentionally slightly underbaked for a soft, scoopable texture
    • Do not overbake—center should jiggle slightly
    • Toss raspberries right before using to prevent excess moisture
    • No toothpick test needed for this recipe

    Storage

    • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • For best texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–25 seconds until warm and soft.
    • This cake is meant to be soft and scoopable—it tastes best warm, but is still delicious at room temperature.