Raspberry Cream Cake.

A couple of months ago we met up with a large portion of our extended family for dinner + dessert.  Dessert is always a highlight at occasions such as this, but this dessert. . .this raspberry confection has been on my mind ever since.  Last week I finally broke down and called our cousin Debie for the recipe.  Friends, this was my first attempt at a big girl cake {in case you're wondering, a big girl cake can have nothing to do with a 9X13 pan} and I was so happy with the results.  It was delicious and pretty. Win-win.  You have to make one.

Raspberry Cream Cake

2 boxes white cake mix (I used Duncan Hines moist deluxe)

2 2/3 c water

6 large egg whites

4 Tbs. melted butter

2 tsp almond extract

2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix and Bake in 2- 9 inch round cake pans at 350 for about 30 minutes.  Let cool and remove from pans.

Filling:

4 c powdered sugar

4 Tbs soft butter

1 tsp vanilla

10 Tbs heavy cream

Mix powdered sugar, soft butter and vanilla.  Slowly add in cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.  Spread filling over the bottom layer cake and then place the second cake on top.

Frosting:

2 c heavy cream

2/3 c powdered sugar.

12 ounces mashed raspberries

Whip cream and powdered sugar together until stiff.  Fold in raspberries.  Spread over cake.

Once the cake was frosted, I got busy working on the white chocolate curls.  Debie said creating the curls would be a lesson in trial and error.  She was right.  

You'll need a box of Baker's white chocolate squares to begin.  Melt the chocolate in the microwave according to package directions.  Once the chocolate is melted, spread it on a metal baking tray and pop it in the fridge.  When chocolate has firmed up, use a metal spoon or spatula and begin scraping.  If the chocolate flakes instead of curls, the chocolate is too hard.  Just let it warm up a bit on the counter and keep trying.  I also topped my cake with fresh raspberries.

I was so proud I forced Ryan to take a picture of me + my pretty, delicious creation.  For posterity's sake.

p.s. Happy Birthday Rachael!