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Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and fresh raspberries.

Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A bright and fancy cake that combines soft lemon cake layers with a simple raspberry filling, and topped with a thick cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2.5 teaspoons Baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.75 cups Unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
  • 1.75 cups Granulated sugar
  • 4 large Eggs Use room temperature.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon zest
  • 0.33 cups Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Or milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
  • 2-3 cups Raspberries Fresh or frozen.
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch Helps with juicy berries.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 16 ounces Full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened
  • 4-5 cups Powdered sugar To taste and thickness.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1-2 teaspoons Lemon juice Optional, for extra tang.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch cake pans.
  2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Mixing the Batter
  1. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
  2. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until no dry streaks remain.
  3. Carefully toss raspberries with cornstarch and gently fold them into the batter.
Baking the Cake
  1. Bake for 22 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of pans used, until the center springs back and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Making the Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Chill if necessary.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Stack layers with frosting in between, adding optional raspberries in the middle. Frost the outside and top with berries.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Cool layers completely before frosting to prevent sliding layers.