Introduction
A zesty and sweet delight, this Raspberry Lemon Layer Cake combines refreshing lemon flavors with a delicious raspberry filling and creamy frosting. Perfect for any celebration or when you simply want a vibrant dessert.
Ingredients
For the lemon cake:
All-purpose flour: 312.5g
Baking powder: 2 ½ tsp
Salt: ½ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened): 226g
Sugar: 400g
Eggs: 4
Lemon zest: 2 tbsp
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Buttermilk: 240ml
Fresh lemon juice: 60ml
For the raspberry filling:
Fresh raspberries: 225g
Sugar: 50g
Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
Water: 30ml
For the cream cheese frosting:
Cream cheese (softened): 226g
Unsalted butter (softened): 113g
Powdered sugar: 360g
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Heavy cream: 30ml
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
To make this delightful cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract.
Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Finally, mix in the fresh lemon juice until just combined. Divide the batter evenly among the three pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
For the raspberry filling, combine the fresh raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Let it cool before using.
For the frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, mixing until the frosting is fluffy.
To assemble the cake, spread the raspberry filling between the layers of cake. Use the cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Finally, garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Slice and enjoy this vibrant dessert that beautifully balances sweet and tangy flavors!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans, generously grease them, and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 312.5g of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ tsp of baking powder, and ½ tsp of salt. This blend of dry ingredients will give your cake a wonderful structure.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat 226g of softened unsalted butter and 400g of sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Flavors
Add 4 eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Then stir in 2 tbsp of lemon zest and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor profile.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture and 240ml of buttermilk to the wet ingredients, alternating between the two. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in 60ml of fresh lemon juice until the batter is just combined.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the cake batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans.
Step 7: Prepare Raspberry Filling
For the raspberry filling, combine 225g of fresh raspberries, 50g of sugar, 1 tbsp of cornstarch, and 30ml of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continually until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 8: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
In another bowl, beat 226g of softened cream cheese and 113g of softened unsalted butter together until smooth. Gradually add in 360g of powdered sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 30ml of heavy cream, mixing until fluffy and creamy.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
To assemble your cake, spread a layer of raspberry filling between each layer of cake. Once stacked, frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting, ensuring a smooth and beautiful finish.
Step 10: Final Touches
Garnish the top with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a visually appealing presentation. Slice it into generous pieces and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Notes
Flavor Enhancement
For a bolder lemon flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or zest.
Raspberry Substitute
If fresh raspberries are not available, frozen raspberries work well as a substitute. Just thaw them before use.
Storing the Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Make Ahead Option
You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Thoroughly whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt together ensures an even distribution of leavening agents, which helps the cake rise uniformly.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beating softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy incorporates air into the mixture, which creates a light texture in the cake.
Incorporating Eggs
Adding eggs one at a time allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter and improved structure.
Alternating Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Alternating the addition of dry ingredients and buttermilk into the batter helps maintain moisture while achieving a smooth and well-combined mixture.
Baking
Baking the layers at the recommended temperature ensures that they rise properly and develop a golden crust, while remaining moist inside. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Making Raspberry Filling
Cooking raspberries with sugar, cornstarch, and water over medium heat thickens the filling, making it perfect for layering without making the cake soggy.
Whipping Frosting
Beating cream cheese and butter until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar and heavy cream creates a fluffy texture that’s perfect for spreading.
Assembling the Cake
Layering the raspberry filling between the cake layers and frosting the outside helps create a beautiful presentation while infusing each bite with flavor.
FAQ
Can I use frozen raspberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but they may need a bit more cooking time to thicken properly.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can use a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice) as a substitute for buttermilk.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, ensuring you also adjust any leavening agents as needed.
How should I store the leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the freezer. Thaw before assembling.
Conclusion
A delicious blend of tangy lemon and sweet raspberry, the Raspberry Lemon Layer Cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it not just a dessert, but a delightful experience. Whether celebrating a special event or treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to impress.
Chocolate Raspberry Lemon Cake
Combine the flavors of rich chocolate and zesty lemon for a decadent twist. Use chocolate cake layers with raspberry filling and lemon cream cheese frosting.
Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake
Swap raspberries for blueberries to enjoy a fruity variation. The refreshing lemon and sweet blueberries make a delightful combination.
Coconut Cream Lemon Cake
For a tropical touch, add coconut to the cream cheese frosting, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Replace raspberries with fresh strawberries for a classic flavor pairing. Add a hint of strawberry puree to the frosting for a beautiful pink tint.
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Incorporate poppy seeds into the lemon cake batter for a delightful crunch. Pair it with a raspberry glaze to enhance the flavor profile.
Vanilla Almond Raspberry Cake
Add almond extract to the frosting and cake for a rich flavor. The combination of vanilla, almond, and raspberry creates a unique dessert experience.
