Indulge in the perfect blend of tangy lemon and sweet raspberries with this delightful lemon raspberry cake recipe. Moist and tender lemon cake layers are filled and frosted with a luscious buttercream, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether for a special celebration or a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Cake:
- 2 and 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
For the Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
For Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Thinly sliced lemons
- 1 cup raspberry preserves or seedless raspberry jam
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lemon Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix in the fresh lemon juice until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake the Cakes:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Buttercream:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy using an electric mixer.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and fluffy.
- Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream reaches a spreadable consistency.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam evenly over the top.
- Spread a layer of buttercream frosting evenly over the top.
- Place a few fresh raspberries on top of the buttercream, if desired, for extra flavor and decoration.
- Repeat with the remaining cake layers, spreading raspberry jam and buttercream frosting between each layer and on top and sides of the cake.
5. Decorate and Serve:
- Pipe some buttercream frosting over the cake as desired. Optionally, spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the top and create a dripping effect.
- Garnish the top of the cake with additional fresh raspberries, sliced lemons, or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the buttercream before slicing and serving.
- Slice and serve the lemon raspberry cake at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
- Fresh Raspberries: Use fresh raspberries for garnish to add a burst of color and fresh flavor to the cake.
- Consistency of Buttercream: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar and cream/milk to achieve the desired consistency of the buttercream.
Enjoy the bright and fruity flavors of this lemon raspberry cake, perfect for any celebration or as a special treat. With its moist lemon cake layers and creamy buttercream, this cake will surely delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Share it with loved ones and enjoy the sweet moments together!
Share Your Creations!
If you try this lemon raspberry cake recipe, share your photos and tag us on social media. We’d love to see how your cake turns out! Happy baking and celebrating!
