Lemon Raspberry New Year Cake: Bright and Festive Recipe to Ring in the New Year
Kick off your New Year's celebrations with this vibrant Lemon Raspberry New Year Cake! Light and fluffy lemon cake layers are filled with tangy raspberry compote and frosted with smooth lemon buttercream. Topped with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and optional gold accents, this refreshing dessert symbolizes a bright start to the year ahead – perfect for New Year's Eve parties or January gatherings.
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If you're looking for a lemon raspberry cake recipe or a stunning New Year celebration cake, this one combines zesty citrus with juicy berries for a flavor that's both sophisticated and crowd-pleasing. Easy to make yet elegantly impressive!
Why You'll Love This Lemon Raspberry New Year Cake
- Refreshing Flavor: Bright lemon cuts through sweetness, balanced by tart raspberries – ideal after heavy holiday meals.
- Festive Appeal: Vibrant colors and optional gold decorations make it perfect for toasting the new year.
- Moist and Tender: Buttermilk ensures soft layers every time.
- Customizable: Add gold sprinkles or edible gold leaf for extra sparkle.
This recipe yields three 8-inch layers, serving 12-16. Prep time: 45 minutes | Bake time: 25-30 minutes | Total time: 3 hours (including cooling and decorating).
Ingredients for the Lemon Raspberry New Year Cake
Lemon Cake Layers:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 3 lemons
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
Raspberry Filling:
- 3 cups (360g) fresh or frozen raspberries
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Lemon Buttercream:
- 1½ cups (339g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
Decorations:
- Fresh raspberries
- Lemon slices or curls
- Optional: Gold sprinkles, edible gold leaf, or white chocolate gold drips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Raspberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Cool completely (or make ahead and refrigerate).
2. Bake the Lemon Cake Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round pans.
Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then lemon zest, juice, and vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
Divide batter into pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then on racks.
3. Prepare Lemon Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then lemon juice, zest, salt, and cream until fluffy. Adjust consistency as needed.
4. Assemble the Cake
Level cooled layers. Place one on a cake stand; spread raspberry filling. Top with second layer and more filling. Add third layer.
Crumb coat with buttercream; chill 20 minutes. Apply final smooth coat.
Decorate with swirls of buttercream, fresh raspberries, lemon curls, and gold accents for a festive New Year touch!
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Raspberry New Year Cake
- Fresh Flavor Boost: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for maximum brightness.
- Filling Consistency: Strain raspberry seeds if preferred for a smoother texture.
- Gold Accents: Brush edible gold luster dust on decorations or add gold drips using white chocolate ganache tinted gold.
- Make Ahead: Bake layers and make filling a day ahead. Assemble fresh for best results.
- Storage: Room temperature up to 2 days; refrigerate up to 5 days. Serve at room temp.
- Variations: Add a splash of champagne to the cake batter for a bubbly New Year twist.
This Lemon Raspberry New Year Cake brings freshness and joy to your celebrations – a delicious way to welcome brighter days ahead. Save this recipe and make it your new tradition! šš„š
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