Zesty Raspberry Lemon Cake Recipe: A Sweet Summer Treat

Sweet summer afternoons call for a delightful raspberry lemon bliss cake that bursts with tangy brightness and velvety richness.

Sunshine-kissed lemons and ripe, juicy raspberries dance together in this irresistible dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of soft, moist cake are infused with zesty citrus notes and studded with vibrant ruby-red berries.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that melt beautifully on your tongue.

The delicate crumb and bright, refreshing profile make this cake a standout at any gathering.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish that elevates this dessert from simple to spectacular.

Dive into this delectable treat and let your taste buds celebrate the magic of seasonal fruits.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 9

Raspberry Lemon Bliss Cake: Ingredient Checklist

• Unsalted Butter: Brings rich, creamy texture and helps create a tender cake crumb, choose high-quality butter for best flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, airy cake structure, opt for fine granulated sugar for smooth blending.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes and enhances overall flavor profile, use fresh lemons for most vibrant taste.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Work together to create perfect cake structure, light texture, and balanced rising, ensure ingredients are fresh and not expired.

• Eggs, Greek Yogurt, Vanilla Extract: Contribute moisture, richness, and binding properties, use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and smooth mixing.

• Raspberries: Brings natural sweetness, vibrant color, and tangy flavor, frozen berries work well and help prevent sinking in batter.

• Unsalted Butter, Confectioner's Sugar: Creates smooth, creamy frosting with perfect spreading consistency, sift sugar to avoid lumps.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance sweetness, adjust quantity for desired tartness.
• Yellow Gel Food Coloring: Optional touch for visual appeal, use sparingly for natural-looking frosting.

Equipment Guide for Raspberry Lemon Cake

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating egg whites, and creating smooth frosting.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for separating ingredients and mixing cake batter.
• 8-inch Cake Pans: Specific size for baking the cake layers perfectly.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and beating egg whites.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cake from sticking to pan.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
• Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and spreading frosting.

Instructions for Raspberry Lemon Bliss Cake

Raspberry Lemon Bliss Cake

• Oven Preparation Kitchen readiness involves preheating and setting up cake pans with careful greasing and lining. Create a smooth surface for your cake by buttering pans and inserting parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
• Butter Mixture Crafting the foundation begins with blending softened butter, sugar, and bright lemon zest until the mixture becomes cloud-like and airy. Gently incorporate egg yolks and vanilla, creating a smooth, rich base that promises delicious flavor.
• Egg White Magic Whip egg whites into soft, billowy peaks that will add lightness and incredible texture to your cake. This step transforms the batter from dense to wonderfully delicate.
• Dry Ingredients Harmony Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents that will help your cake rise beautifully.
• Batter Symphony Alternate mixing dry ingredients and yogurt into the butter mixture, creating a smooth batter. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites and fresh raspberries, being careful not to deflate the delicate mixture.
• Baking Perfection Pour batter into prepared pans and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cake to rest briefly in pans before transferring to a cooling rack.
• Lemon Buttercream Delight Whip together butter and powdered sugar, gradually adding lemon juice to create a silky, spreadable frosting that complements the cake's fruity notes.
• Cake Assembly Layer the cooled cakes with lemon buttercream, covering the entire cake in a smooth, elegant finish. Garnish with fresh raspberries and delicate lemon zest for a stunning presentation.

Ways to Add Variety to This Zesty Cake

• Berry Fresh Flavor Boosters: Elevate your Raspberry Lemon Bliss Cake with these expert tips and delicious variations.
• Fruity Freshness Hack: Toss raspberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
• Zesty Lemon Twist: Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime to create unique flavor profiles that complement the raspberries perfectly.
• Texture Magic: For an extra moist cake, try substituting sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt to add richness and depth to the texture.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 weeks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze unfrosted, then thaw and decorate when ready to serve for maximum freshness.
• Fancy Finish Trick: Create a stunning presentation by garnishing with candied lemon peels or torching fresh raspberries for a caramelized touch that adds both visual appeal and extra flavor complexity.

Serving the Raspberry Lemon Treat Just Right

• Sunshine Brunch Centerpiece: Make this cake the star of a weekend brunch with fresh mimosas and a light fruit salad. The citrusy notes will complement your morning spread perfectly.
• Summer Garden Party Delight: Serve slices alongside chilled herbal tea or lavender lemonade during an outdoor gathering. Garnish each plate with a few fresh raspberries for an extra touch of elegance.
• Afternoon Tea Showstopper: Present this cake during a traditional afternoon tea service. Pair with delicate finger sandwiches and create an Instagram-worthy dessert display that will impress your guests.
• Romantic Date Night Dessert: Cut smaller, more intimate slices for a romantic dessert after a special dinner. The light, fruity flavors provide a perfect sweet ending to a memorable evening.

Storage Tips for Your Lemon Bliss Creation

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the fully frosted cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
• Room Temperature Magic: Keep unfrosted cake layers at room temperature for 1-2 days, covered with a clean kitchen towel. Place on a flat surface away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain freshness.
• Raspberry Placement Tips: Add fresh raspberries just before serving to prevent potential moisture bleeding and maintain their vibrant color and firm texture. If decorating in advance, gently pat raspberries dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Heavenly Raspberry Lemon Bliss Cake

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Raspberry lemon bliss cake brings together tangy citrus and sweet berries in a harmonious dessert. Creamy layers and bright garnishes create a delightful treat you’ll savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups raspberries
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 9 tbsps (128 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 5 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
• 1 small drop yellow gel food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans, lining bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Creaming: Whip butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
3. Egg Integration: Add egg yolks individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Egg White Transformation: Whisk egg whites to soft peak stage, ensuring a light, airy texture for the cake’s structure.
5. Dry Ingredient Blend: Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda to create a uniform dry mixture without lumps.
6. Batter Assembly: Alternately fold dry ingredients and yogurt into the butter mixture, maintaining a silky, consistent batter.
7. Final Mixing: Gently incorporate whisked egg whites and carefully distribute raspberries throughout the batter to ensure even dispersion.
8. Baking Process: Divide batter between prepared pans and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes, checking for doneness with a clean toothpick test.
9. Cooling Stage: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Frosting Creation: Craft lemon buttercream by blending butter and confectioner’s sugar, gradually adding lemon juice to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Optionally tint with yellow gel food coloring for visual appeal.
11. Cake Assembly: Once fully cooled, layer cakes with lemon buttercream, frosting top and sides with smooth, even strokes.
12. Presentation: Artfully garnish with fresh raspberries and delicate lemon zest to create an elegant and inviting dessert.

Notes

• Prep Pan Perfectly: Greasing and lining cake pans with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures smooth cake removal.
• Cream Butter Strategically: Whip butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy to create a smooth, aerated base for the cake.
• Separate Egg Whites Carefully: Whisk egg whites to soft peaks separately to maintain their delicate structure and contribute to the cake’s light texture.
• Monitor Baking Time Closely: Check cake doneness at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean to prevent overbaking and dryness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 54 g
• Sodium: 284 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg