Lemon, Raspberry and Almond Cake

This lemon raspberry cake topped with flaky almonds is a perfect blend of refreshing citrus, sweet-tart berries, and crunchy nuts. The cake itself is a vibrant celebration of lemon, with its bright, zesty flavour shining through every bite. The lemon flavour is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cake, which has a moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

Scattered throughout the cake are juicy raspberries that add a delightful burst of fruity flavour. As the cake bakes, the raspberries soften and release their juices, creating small pockets of sweet-tart goodness that contrast beautifully with the lemony base. The raspberries not only add a pleasing tang but also bring a pop of vibrant colour, making each slice visually appealing and bursting with fruity goodness.

The cake is crowned with a layer of delicate, flaky almonds. These almonds are scattered generously over the top before baking, where they lightly toast to a golden brown, adding a subtle nuttiness that complements the citrus and berry flavours. The almonds provide a satisfying textural contrast, offering a crisp bite that plays against the softness of the cake and the juiciness of the raspberries.

My lemon, raspberry and almond cake is the perfect alternative for anyone who prefers a lighter sweet treat without being weighed down by thick buttercream. By simply sprinkling icing sugar on top of the cake, it provides a touch of sweetness without being overwhelming. Unlike buttercream, which can be rich and heavy, a light dusting of icing sugar adds a delicate, airy sweetness that enhances the flavour of the cake without masking its natural taste. This approach allows the cake's other ingredients, like the tang of lemon or the nuttiness of almonds, to really shine through, making for a more balanced and subtle dessert experience. Baking for friend or travelling to a special event? This cake is the perfect option! Not having buttercream in a cake makes it so much easier to travel with as it eliminates the risk of the frosting melting, smudging, or shifting during transport. Buttercream is sensitive to temperature changes and can become soft and messy, especially in warm conditions, leading to a more challenging cake to handle, so to ensure your cake arrives safely and in perfect condition, this cake is ideal.

This lemon, raspberry and almond cake is truly as beautiful as it is delicious, with a harmonious blend of flavours and textures that make it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Lemon Zest

Lemon zest offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to both cooking and baking. Packed with natural oils, lemon zest provides an intense citrus flavour and aroma that enhances the overall taste of dishes without the added acidity of lemon juice. It is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which support immune health and contains essential oils like limonene, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Adding lemon zest truly brings a bright, fresh element to recipes, lifting the flavours and making dishes more vibrant and fragrant. It's a simple, healthy way to elevate both sweet and savoury creations.

When lemon zest is mixed with sugar, the oils from the zest are released and absorbed by the sugar, creating a flavourful blend. The sugar acts as an abrasive, breaking down the zest and helping to extract more of its essential oils, which are responsible for the intense citrus aroma and taste. This mixture infuses the sugar with a concentrated lemon flavour, allowing it to distribute evenly throughout the cake. The result is a more pronounced and balanced lemony sweetness, enhancing the overall flavour of the cake without adding extra liquid or acidity.

Lemon, Raspberry and Almond cake FAQs

‍Can lemon, raspberry and almond cake be frozen?

Yes! When wrapped tightly, lemon cake can be frozen for a month.

Will my lemon, raspberry and almond cake dry out in the fridge?

Although most cakes do not need to be stored in the refrigerator, if you choose to, tightly wrap the cake to avoid it drying out.

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