This Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the zesty brightness of lemons and the sweet tang of raspberries. With moist, fluffy lemon cake layers and a luscious raspberry buttercream, this cake is perfect for any celebration or when you’re simply craving something fresh, fruity, and indulgent. Topped with raspberry jam and fresh fruit, it’s a visually stunning dessert that tastes just as amazing as it looks.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

LEMON CAKE LAYERS

• 300 g granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoon lemon zest (about zest of 2 lemons)

• 180 g butter, room temperature

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 340 g all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoon cornstarch

• ¾ teaspoon baking powder

• ¾ teaspoon baking soda

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 240 g sour cream (14–18%), room temperature

• 60 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola or avocado oil)

• 2 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon lemon extract (optional)

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

RASPBERRY BUTTERCREAM

• 400 g butter

• 660 g powdered sugar

• 1 ½ tablespoon freeze-dried raspberry powder

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoon whole milk, room temperature

ASSEMBLING

• 4–6 tablespoon raspberry jam

• Fresh raspberries (optional, for decorating)

• Fresh lemon slices (optional, for decorating)

Note: For accuracy, it’s recommended to weigh ingredients using a digital scale in grams.

Directions

LEMON CAKE LAYERS

1. Preheat oven to 170ºC/340ºF (conventional). Line three 20 cm round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, rub sugar and lemon zest together until it resembles wet sand. Add butter and beat on high for 3 minutes.

4. Add eggs two at a time, mixing until fully combined.

5. Mix in half the dry ingredients on low speed.

6. Add sour cream, oil, lemon juice, lemon extract (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined.

7. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix again. Gently fold the batter to ensure it’s fully combined.

8. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The cakes will stay pale in color.

9. Let cakes cool on a rack. After 10 minutes, remove from pans and cool completely.

RASPBERRY BUTTERCREAM

1. Sift powdered sugar and raspberry powder together. Set aside.

2. Beat butter on medium-high speed for 4 minutes, scrape down the bowl, then mix for 2 more minutes.

3. Add the powdered sugar mixture, vanilla, and milk in two additions, mixing thoroughly after each.

4. Scrape down the bowl and mix on low for 2 minutes to finish.

ASSEMBLING

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or turntable. Spread 2 big scoops of buttercream evenly on top.

2. Create a shallow well in the center of the buttercream and fill with 2–3 tablespoon raspberry jam.

3. Repeat the process with the next layer. Add the final cake layer on top.

4. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill the cake for 20 minutes.

5. Cover the cake with remaining buttercream. Decorate with fresh raspberries and lemon slices, if desired.

Nutrients

• Carbohydrates: 113g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 50g

• Saturated Fat: 29g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 14g

• Trans Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 171mg

• Sodium: 581mg

• Potassium: 110mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 86g

• Vitamin A: 1416 IU

• Vitamin C: 2mg

• Calcium: 66mg

• Iron: 2mg

A Balance of Sweet and Tangy Flavors

One of the key elements that sets this cake apart is its expertly balanced flavor profile. Lemon and raspberry are both bold, distinctive tastes. The lemon offers sharp, zesty notes that cut through the richness of the buttercream, while the raspberry adds a natural sweetness with a slight tang. This marriage of flavors makes the cake feel light and refreshing, even with its decadence. Unlike overly sweet cakes that can feel heavy, the Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake delivers a flavor that feels as bright and invigorating as a summer afternoon.

Texture That Elevates the Experience

Beyond its taste, the texture of this cake is another reason why it’s so beloved. The lemon cake layers are moist and tender, yet sturdy enough to hold their shape and structure when layered. The use of sour cream and oil contributes to this moistness, while still keeping the crumb delicate. The raspberry buttercream, meanwhile, is silky and rich. Made with high-quality butter and powdered sugar, and enhanced with freeze-dried raspberry powder, the frosting spreads smoothly and sets beautifully, making the cake not only delicious but easy to work with for decoration.

Visual Appeal and Decorative Potential

This cake is not just a delight to eat—it’s also a visual masterpiece. The pale yellow cake layers contrast beautifully with the blush pink buttercream, creating a sophisticated pastel color palette. When decorated with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, or even edible flowers, the cake transforms into an eye-catching centerpiece for any event. The raspberry jam filling adds a pop of vibrant color when the cake is sliced, ensuring the inside is just as stunning as the outside.

Versatility for Any Occasion

Whether you’re planning a sophisticated tea party, an elegant birthday celebration, or just indulging in weekend baking, the Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake fits the occasion. It feels fancy without being fussy, and it’s just as welcome at a casual brunch as it is at a formal gathering. Its seasonal ingredients—especially ripe raspberries—make it ideal for spring and summer, though it can easily be enjoyed year-round with good-quality frozen fruit or jam. The recipe itself is adaptable: you can bake it as a sheet cake, turn it into cupcakes, or scale it for a larger celebration.

Tips for Perfect Results

While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few key tips that can help ensure a flawless result. First, always use room temperature ingredients, particularly butter, eggs, and sour cream. This helps them mix more evenly and contributes to a smoother batter. When rubbing the lemon zest into the sugar, take your time—this step infuses the sugar with aromatic oils from the zest, which significantly boosts the lemon flavor in the cake. And when making the buttercream, be sure to beat it thoroughly to achieve the desired light and airy texture.

Ingredient Highlights

What makes this recipe shine is the quality and thoughtful combination of ingredients. Real lemon zest and juice give the cake a bright, natural citrus flavor, while the sour cream adds moisture and a hint of tang. The buttercream’s star ingredient, freeze-dried raspberry powder, packs a powerful punch of raspberry flavor without adding excess moisture, which could destabilize the frosting. The use of raspberry jam in the filling not only adds a burst of fruity flavor but also introduces a contrasting texture that complements the fluffy cake and smooth frosting.

Nutritional Profile

Despite being a rich and indulgent dessert, this cake offers transparency in its nutritional breakdown. With approximately 113 grams of carbohydrates and 50 grams of fat per serving, it’s definitely a treat to be enjoyed in moderation. However, it also provides small amounts of protein, iron, and vitamin C, thanks to the natural ingredients like raspberries and lemons. Knowing the nutritional content allows those who are mindful of their intake to enjoy a slice with full awareness, especially on special occasions.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

Baking a layered cake from scratch may seem daunting, but this Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake proves it’s worth the effort. The process—from creaming the butter and sugar to layering the cake with buttercream and jam—can be therapeutic for many bakers. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, whether you choose to go classic with the decorations or add your own twist with herbs like mint or toppings like candied lemon peel. The sense of accomplishment when you see and taste the final product is incredibly rewarding.

Perfect for Gifting or Sharing

There’s something inherently generous about a layered cake. It’s made to be shared, to bring people together. Whether you’re baking it for a friend’s birthday or as a thank-you gift, this cake conveys care and effort. You can even pre-slice and package it beautifully for individual servings, making it a thoughtful homemade gift during holidays or family gatherings. It’s a delicious way to show appreciation and bring a little extra joy to someone’s day.

Conclusion

The Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake is a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. It combines classic flavors in a modern, elevated presentation, making it a standout recipe for any baker’s repertoire. With its balanced flavors, inviting texture, and beautiful presentation, it’s a cake that brings a touch of sunshine to any occasion. Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply treating yourself to something special, this cake is a vibrant, joyful reminder of the pleasures of baking—and sharing—something truly delicious.