🌟 Introduction:
When Ryan Seacrest shocked fans by announcing his engagement, the world expected Hollywood glamour — but his choice of a down-to-earth, non-celebrity bride has everyone smiling. Inspired by that heartfelt surprise, this recipe celebrates unexpected pairings — simple ingredients coming together for a stunning result.
This “Surprise Engagement Cake” blends bright citrus with creamy vanilla, layered with a hidden burst of raspberry filling. Much like Seacrest’s love story, it’s elegant yet refreshingly real.
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
For the Raspberry “Surprise” Filling:
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions:
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix the Cake Batter:
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest and vanilla.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake:
Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Raspberry Surprise:
In a small saucepan, cook raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice over medium heat until thickened (about 5 minutes). Cool completely before using.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a plate, spread the raspberry filling evenly, then top with the second layer. Frost the entire cake with the vanilla buttercream.
Decorate:
