Raspberry Lemon Wedding Cake: A Showstopping Celebration Dessert
Key Information
Contents
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 20-24 guests
Difficulty: Advanced
Dietary: Vegetarian
Essential Equipment
Why This Cake is Special
Imagine a wedding cake that captures summer’s essence – bright, fresh, and absolutely gorgeous. This raspberry lemon wedding cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an edible work of art that’ll have guests talking long after the last slice.
Ingredients Breakdown
Cake Layers
- 3 cups cake flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Raspberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Lemon Swiss Meringue Buttercream
- 6 egg whites
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 cups unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Preparation Method
Cake Layers
- Prep Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature.
- Cream Butter: Beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine Dry/Wet: Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream.
- Fold Raspberries: Gently fold in raspberries coated in flour.
- Bake: Pour into prepared pans, bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Raspberry Filling
- Combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice in saucepan
- Cook until thickened, about 10 minutes
- Cool completely before using
Swiss Meringue Buttercream
- Whisk egg whites and sugar over double boiler
- Heat to 140°F, stirring constantly
- Whip until cool and glossy
- Add butter gradually
- Incorporate lemon zest and juice
Assembly Secrets
- Level cake layers
- Brush with lemon syrup for extra moisture
- Alternate layers with raspberry filling
- Crumb coat, then final buttercream layer
- Decorate with fresh raspberries and lemon zest
Pro Tips
- Temperature Matters: Room temp ingredients blend seamlessly
- Don’t Overmix: Stops tough cake texture
- Chill Between Steps: Ensures stability
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Freeze unfrosted layers up to 1 month
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Variations
- Vegan: Use plant-based alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Use certified GF flour
- Less Sweet: Reduce sugar, add more lemon zest
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients
- Overmixing batter
- Not leveling cake layers
- Frosting warm layers
Cost Estimate
Approximately $35-$50 depending on ingredient quality
Nutritional Note
High in sugar and fat – it’s a celebration cake, enjoy responsibly!