Special Raspberry Torte

Directions

• 1. Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper.
• 2. In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
• 3. With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter.
• 4. Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges are golden.
• 5. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely. In a large bowl, beat shortening and butter until combined. Beat in confectioner's sugar alternately with extract and enough milk to reach a spreading consistency.
• 6. Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half the preserves. Top with another cake layer and 3/4 cup frosting. Place third cake layer over frosting; spread with remaining preserves. Top with remaining cake layer.
• 7. Frost top and sides of cake with 1 cup frosting, forming a crumb coating. Refrigerate cake until frosting is set, about 30 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and cover with remaining frosting. Top with raspberries.