Raspberry Swirl Pound Cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9×5 loaf pan with non-stick spray.

Step 2

With a mesh strainer over a small bowl, use a spatula to push and mash the raspberries through the strainer. The seeds and pith will be left behind and the raspberry juice will be in the bowl. Set aside the raspberry juice and discard the seeds. Or, you can mascerate the berries in a small saucepan and bring them to a simmer, following the same instructions to press them through the strainer or sieve to remove the seeds and pith. If you follow the second method, allow the raspberry juice to cool before mixing it into the milk and eggs otherwise it may curdle the eggs.

Step 3

In bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and raspberry extract (not the juice prepared above), vanilla and almond extract. (*note* Raspberry extract is optional if raspberries are not available or very ripe – just adds touch of flavor). Set aside.

Step 4

Sift together flour, sugar and baking powder into the bowl of a stand mixer. Fit mixer with paddle attachment, and turn on low.

Step 5

Add in softened butter and mix on low until the flour/butter mixture has combined. It doesn’t have to be completely smooth, but just make sure majority of flour and butter has been mixed together.

Step 6

Slowly pour in eggs/milk mixture into the stand mixer in a steady stream. Continue to beat on low or medium-low until thoroughly mixed.

Step 7

Remove stand mixer bowl from mixer and pour about 1/3 to 1/2 of the batter into a separate bowl. Into the batter, stir in the raspberry juice you prepared earlier through the strainer or sieve.

Step 8

Alternate pouring the batters into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the batters with a spoon between each addition.

Step 9

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let rest in loaf pan for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack, then turn out of pan and allow to complete cooling.

Step 10

With a mixer, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.

Step 11

Slowly add in powdered sugar and combine until smooth.

Step 12

Spread over the top of the cooled pound cake. Let rest, slice and serve.