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Zesty Raspberry Lemon Layer Cake with fresh raspberries and lemon slices

Raspberry Lemon Layer Cake

A delightful layer cake balancing the sweet and tart flavors of fresh raspberries and lemon, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Ideal for a fluffy texture
  • 2.5 teaspoons baking powder For a great rise
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda For balanced leavening
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt To enhance flavors
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter Softened, for creamy richness
  • 1.75 cups granulated sugar For sweetness
  • 4 large eggs For structure
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For aromatic depth
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest For a burst of citrus
  • 0.75 cup whole milk To keep the cake moist
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Adds tartness
  • 3 cups fresh raspberries Sweet and tangy

Raspberry Filling

  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar For raspberry filling
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch To thicken the filling
  • 2 tablespoons water To create the filling

Frosting

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream For fluffy frosting
  • 1 cup powdered sugar For sweetness in frosting
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice For zesty frosting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For additional flavor in frosting

Garnish

  • Fresh raspberries For decoration
  • Thin lemon slices For a garnish
  • Lemon zest For finishing touches

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk and lemon juice.

Baking

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Raspberry Filling

  • In a saucepan, combine fresh raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thickened.

Frosting

  • Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assembly

  • Place one cake layer on a platter, spread raspberry filling over it, and top with the second layer.
  • Frost the cake with lemon cream frosting and garnish with fresh raspberries, thin lemon slices, and lemon zest.

Notes

Allow butter to reach room temperature for maximum creaminess; measure ingredients accurately for best results.
Keyword Birthday Cake, Layer Cake, Lemon Cake, Raspberry Dessert, Summer Cake