I remember first tasting the iconic JFK Wedding Cake recipe at a friend’s gathering, and instantly falling in love. Inspired by the Kennedy‑Kennedy legacy, I’ve recreated this elegant, romantic dessert for you.
This JFK Wedding Cake recipe blends classic vanilla layers, rich raspberry filling, and a velvety cream cheese frosting.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just love a cake with a story, this one brings a timeless taste of history to your table.
How To Prepare The JFK Wedding Cake Recipe?
Recipe Time & Yield
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Bake time: 25–30 minutes
- Cooling & assembly: 1 hour
- Total time: ~2 hours
- Yields: 12 generous slices (fun-sized for sharing)
Equipment Needed
- 3 × 8″ round cake pans
- Stand mixer (or handheld whisk + elbow grease)
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper & baking spray
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
- Serrated knife (for leveling)
- 9″ cake stand or platter
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups (250 g) all‑purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
Filling:
- 1 cup raspberry preserves
- 1 cup raspberry buttercream (see Frosting)
Frosting:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla paste or extract
- 2 Tbsp Grand Marnier (optional: adds a bright citrus note)
Garnish (optional):
- Candied orange slices
- White chocolate shavings
- Fresh raspberries
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175 °C). Line and grease three 8″ pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugar at medium‑high speed until fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next. Mix in vanilla.
5. Combine: Alternately add dry mix and milk in 3 batches, starting and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
6. Bake: Divide batter evenly. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
7. Make Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in cream, vanilla, and optional Grand Marnier until fluffy.
8. Build the Cake: Level cakes if needed. Place the first layer on a stand, spread 1/3 filling, then repeat. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill 15 minutes. Give a final coat and smooth with an offset spatula.
9. Decorate: Top with candied orange wheels, white‑chocolate curls, or fresh raspberries. The finishing touch is entirely yours!
Nutrition Facts (per slice) of JFK Wedding Cake Recipe
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Total fat: ~18 g (sat 11 g)
- Cholesterol: ~80 mg
- Sodium: ~120 mg
- Carbs: ~52 g (sugar ~38 g)
- Protein: ~4 g
Amazing 3 Serving Suggestions for JFK Wedding Cake Recipe
Serve With:
- A cup of café latte or English breakfast tea.
- Fresh seasonal fruit like blueberries or strawberries.
- A scoop of raspberry sorbet balances the richness beautifully.
Tips & Variations Of JFK Wedding Cake Recipe
Tips:
- Use room‑temperature ingredients for fluffy cake layers.
- Don’t overmix; it toughens the cake.
- Chill with crumb coat for sharper edges.
- For a firmer structure, chill filled cake for 30 minutes before final frosting.
Variations:
- Swap raspberry preserves with apricot + orange liqueur filling.
- For a traditional buttercream, substitute cream cheese frosting.
- Add fresh raspberry compôte between layers for more fruit intensity.
Health Benefits Of JFK Wedding Cake Recipe
- Raspberry preserves pack antioxidants and vitamin C.
- White cake offers energy; portion control keeps indulgence in check.
- You can lighten it: swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt in frosting, use fruit purée instead of preserves, or reduce sugar by ¼ cup.
Conclusion
Baking this JFK Wedding Cake recipe connects you to a slice of history. It’s not just a cake—it’s an elegant, flavorful journey blending creamy vanilla and tart raspberry.
I pour love and tradition into every layer, and I can’t wait for you to taste that first blissful bite. Let me know how your version turns out—history has never tasted so sweet!
Enjoy baking—and savoring! Thanks for reading this article on the JFK wedding cake recipe.