Lemon Raspberry Cake Dessert (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Lemon Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs
07 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 3/4 cup buttermilk
10 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
12 - 1 tablespoon flour (to coat raspberries and prevent sinking)

→ For the Raspberry Filling (Optional)

13 - 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
14 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
16 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

→ For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting

17 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
19 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
22 - 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)

→ For Garnish (Optional)

23 - Fresh raspberries
24 - Lemon slices or zest
25 - White chocolate shavings

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk and lemon juice. Mix until just combined.
06 - Toss raspberries with 1 tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
07 - Divide batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
08 - In a saucepan, heat raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the berries break down.
09 - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool completely before using.
10 - In a bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy.
11 - Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and zest. Beat until fluffy, adding heavy cream as needed for consistency.
12 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with raspberry filling (if using) or a thin layer of frosting. Place the second cake layer on top.
13 - Cover the cake with lemon buttercream frosting, smoothing it out evenly.
14 - Decorate with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, or white chocolate shavings. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

# Notes:

01 - For extra berry flavor, spread raspberry jam between the layers.
02 - Want a lighter frosting? Use whipped cream instead of buttercream.
03 - Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days, but let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.