Raspberry Lemon Cake is a dessert that dances on your taste buds, bursting with the tangy sweetness of fresh raspberries and zesty lemon. Imagine cutting into a perfectly moist cake, the aroma wafting through your kitchen, making everyone wonder what magic is happening inside. The vibrant colors of red and yellow not only create a feast for your palate but also for your eyes, making it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.

This delightful cake has been my go-to for family celebrations and casual get-togethers alike. I still remember the first time I baked it—my friends were convinced I had secretly enrolled in culinary school! Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy birthday party, this Raspberry Lemon Cake never fails to steal the show with its irresistible flavor that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Raspberry Lemon Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The bright flavors make it a hit at any occasion, from birthdays to brunches
- Its eye-catching presentation ensures you’ll impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen
- Enjoy it as a refreshing dessert or an indulgent snack with coffee or tea
I once brought this cake to a potluck, and the look on my aunt’s face when she took her first bite was priceless—she literally asked for the recipe before she finished her slice!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; avoid self-rising flour to control leavening.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising; check expiration dates if it’s been in your pantry awhile.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavor; don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps achieve a smooth batter; I love using European-style butter for richness.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard; they add moisture and help bind everything together beautifully.
Fresh Lemons: Zest and juice are essential here; look for firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin.
Fresh Raspberries: Use ripe berries for the best flavor; frozen ones can work too if fresh isn’t available.
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making that dreamy icing; sift before using to avoid lumps.
Heavy Cream (for frosting): Adds luscious creaminess; you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so nothing sticks during baking.
Create Your Batter : In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do! Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add Flavor : Mix in lemon zest and juice until well combined. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl before gradually adding it to the wet mixture. Don’t overmix; fold gently until just incorporated.
Add Raspberries : Gently fold in fresh raspberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want them nestled nicely without being completely smashed!
Bake It Up : Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean when done!
Cool & Frost : Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Once cool, whip together heavy cream and powdered sugar until fluffy, then frost between layers and around the sides of the cake.
Now that you have created this masterpiece of a Raspberry Lemon Cake, stand back and admire your work!
Serve slices alongside freshly brewed tea or pack it up for an outdoor picnic—it’s sure to impress no matter where you take it! Enjoy every crumb; you deserve it!
You Must Know
- This delightful Raspberry Lemon Cake brings a burst of freshness and is perfect for any occasion
- Its vibrant colors and zesty flavors make it a showstopper at parties
- Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a favorite in my kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans while mixing the dry ingredients first, followed by the wet ones. This ensures even baking and a fluffy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the raspberries for blueberries or strawberries based on your preference. A dash of almond extract can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a light and airy cake, avoid over-mixing when combining wet and dry ingredients
- Always use fresh raspberries for optimal flavor; frozen can work but may alter texture
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Sharing this recipe has been a joy, especially when friends rave about how delicious it tastes during summer gatherings. It’s like bringing sunshine right into their mouths!
FAQ
How can I make this Raspberry Lemon Cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
Can I freeze leftover Raspberry Lemon Cake?
Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to three months without losing flavor.
What frosting pairs best with Raspberry Lemon Cake?
A light cream cheese frosting complements the tanginess perfectly, adding creamy richness.
Raspberry Lemon Cake
Indulge in the delightful Raspberry Lemon Cake, a refreshing dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh raspberries with the bright zing of lemon. This moist, vibrant cake is not only a joy to eat but also a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in lemon zest and juice until combined. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually fold into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in fresh raspberries.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. For the frosting, whip together heavy cream and powdered sugar until fluffy and frost the cooled cakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Substitute raspberries with blueberries or strawberries if desired. For added flavor, consider incorporating a dash of almond extract into the batter. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to three months.