Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake – Easy Recipe (No-Bake Option)

Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake is the perfect dessert to brighten any occasion. With its light, moist lemon cake layers, rich lemon curd filling, and sweet raspberry buttercream frosting, it’s a showstopper. The vibrant flavors of lemon and raspberry come together harmoniously, creating a refreshing yet indulgent treat. Whether you’re hosting a summer celebration or a special family dinner, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of sweet, tart, and creamy elements makes it a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake

This Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves light and fruity flavors. It is a perfect choice for spring and summer parties, birthdays, and other celebrations. The cake itself is tender and flavorful, while the lemon curd and raspberry frosting add layers of depth and brightness. It’s also versatile enough to be dressed up with edible flowers and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation. The balance of tart and sweet flavors makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional rich cakes.

Ingredients

Lemon Curd

• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tangy and citrusy flavor.
• Lemon zest: Provides extra lemony aroma and flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the curd without overpowering the tanginess.
• Egg yolks: Thickens the curd and enriches its texture.
• Unsalted butter: Makes the curd smooth and velvety.

Lemon Cake

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its light texture.
• Unsalted butter: Helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
• Sour cream: Moistens the cake and adds a slight tang.
• Lemon zest: Enhances the lemon flavor throughout the cake.
• Egg whites: Creates a light and airy texture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and fluffiness.
• Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises properly.
• Salt: Balances the flavors.
• Milk and water: Helps achieve the right batter consistency.

Raspberry Frosting

• Unsalted butter and vegetable shortening: Create a smooth and stable base for the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Fresh raspberries: Infuse the frosting with fresh berry flavor and color.
• Water or milk: Helps achieve the desired consistency for spreading.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you want to make this Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake even more customizable, here are a few ingredient swaps:

• For a gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• For dairy-free options: Substitute the butter and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and non-dairy yogurt.
• For a less sweet option: Reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting or replace it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Lemon Curd:

1. Combine fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a double boiler. Heat gently while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
2. Remove from heat and let the lemon curd cool completely before using it to fill the cake.

How to Make Lemon Cake Layers:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add vanilla extract, sour cream, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add egg whites in two batches, scraping down the bowl as necessary.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt). In another container, mix the milk and water.
6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in the milk-water mixture. Finish with the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

How to Make Raspberry Frosting:

1. Puree fresh raspberries and press them through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, leaving about ½ cup of raspberry liquid.
2. Beat together butter and shortening until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Add raspberry puree and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and well-blended.
4. Adjust the consistency by adding water or milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cake layers have cooled, trim the tops of the cakes to level them.
2. Place the first cake layer on a serving platter and spread a layer of raspberry frosting over it. Pipe a border of frosting around the edges and fill it with half of the lemon curd.
3. Repeat with the second cake layer, frosting, and lemon curd.
4. Top with the final cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining raspberry frosting.
5. For a decorative touch, use a spatula to create swirls on the frosting and garnish with lemon slices and fresh raspberries.

Tips & Tricks

• Do not rush the lemon curd: It’s essential to cook it over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
• Ensure your butter and sugar are creamed well: This step creates air pockets, which give the cake its fluffy texture.
• Allow the cake to cool before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a smooth, clean finish.
• Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers if needed for a more even look.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake is a fantastic standalone dessert, but you can enhance it with various pairings:

• Pair with a fruity beverage like raspberry lemonade or sparkling white wine.
• For a twist, you could substitute the raspberry frosting with a strawberry or blueberry version, depending on your preference.
• Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the lemon curd and cake layers a day in advance and store them separately. Assemble the cake just before serving for the freshest result.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

This Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake is ideal for spring and summer when both lemons and raspberries are in season. The citrusy lemon provides a burst of Vitamin C, while the raspberries are packed with antioxidants. It’s a delicious and light dessert to enjoy during warmer months, especially for outdoor gatherings.

This cake combines beauty, flavor, and a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake is an irresistible dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess. The light, fluffy lemon cake layers combined with the vibrant raspberry frosting and zesty lemon curd make for a stunning dessert that will be the highlight of any event. Its refreshing flavor profile makes it ideal for warm weather occasions, while the simple yet elegant decoration ensures it looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

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