Irresistible Raspberry Lemon Cake – 3-Layer Zesty Delight
Irresistible Raspberry Lemon Cake | MagicInKitchen.com
Raspberry Lemon Cake
This easy raspberry lemon cake recipe is the perfect blend of tart and sweet. Try this fresh, fluffy homemade dessert from MagicInKitchen.com today!
Table of Contents
A Burst of Berry & Citrus: Raspberry Lemon Cake Recipe
Looking for a cake that’s fresh, fruity, and crowd-pleasing? This raspberry lemon cake is the perfect marriage of tart lemon and sweet raspberries—light, fluffy, and irresistibly moist. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a birthday party, or just treating yourself to something special, this vibrant lemon raspberry layer cake is a must-bake. With natural flavors from fresh raspberries and bright lemon zest, this dessert feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour)
For the Raspberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh raspberries
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Make the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add lemon zest and juice. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Fold in floured raspberries gently.
2. Bake the Cake
Divide batter evenly among pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
3. Prepare Raspberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until berries break down and mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Let cool completely before using.
4. Make the Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Beat until fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake
Spread raspberry filling between each cake layer. Frost the top and sides with lemon cream cheese frosting. Garnish with fresh raspberries and lemon zest if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your raspberry lemon cake chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade for the ultimate spring dessert experience. For elegant presentation, top each slice with a raspberry and a mint leaf. This homemade lemon raspberry cake also works beautifully as a birthday cake, a spring wedding cake, or a refreshing summer dessert.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This raspberry lemon cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Wrap it well to keep the moisture in. Leftovers will last up to 4 days refrigerated. For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
Can this be made into a bundt cake?
You can, but reduce the filling and adjust the baking time to around 50–55 minutes.
What makes this raspberry lemon cake moist?
The combination of buttermilk, butter, and fresh lemon juice ensures each bite is tender and full of flavor.
Can I use raspberry jam instead of fresh raspberry filling?
Absolutely! Use high-quality raspberry preserves for a time-saving alternative.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action
If you’re craving a cake that’s equal parts zesty and sweet, this raspberry lemon cake delivers on every level. The creamy frosting, tangy filling, and soft layers make it a showstopper for any celebration or casual treat. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell us how your cake turned out!
Visit MagicInKitchen.com regularly for more easy dessert recipes and gourmet baking ideas. Bookmark this recipe and share it with fellow foodies who love a good homemade cake with a twist.
