Description
A soft and zesty lemon sponge cake layered with smooth lemon curd and raspberry jam, topped with a vibrant raspberry drizzle and fresh berries. An easy yet impressive dessert for brunch, birthdays, or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ¼ tsp salt
– ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– Zest of 2 lemons
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
– ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling and Drizzle:
– ½ cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
– ¾ cup raspberry jam or compote
– ½ cup fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp raspberry juice (from mashed raspberries or use raspberry syrup)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk/lemon juice to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
7. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the lemon curd and raspberry jam on top. Add the second layer and repeat.
8. Mash the raspberries and strain the juice (optional). Mix the juice with powdered sugar to create a drizzle. Pour it over the cake.
9. Decorate with fresh raspberries.
Notes
– Use blackberries or strawberries for a variation.
– Homemade lemon curd adds extra flavor.
– To make buttermilk: mix ½ cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / British Fusion
Keywords: Lemon cake, raspberry drizzle cake, lemon curd cake, summer desserts, easy layer cake, berry cake recipe