8x4 inch (20x10cm) loaf pan or 9x5 inch (23x13cm) loaf pan
mixing bowls
hand mixer (or stand mixer)
parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Lemon Raspberry Cake
1cupgranulated sugar (200 g)
2tablespoonslemon zest from about 2 medium lemons
2¼cupsall-purpose flour (280 g)
1½teaspoonsbaking powder
½teaspoonbaking soda
¼teaspoonsalt
½cupunsalted butter, softened (113 g)
2large eggs, room temperature
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice (15 ml)
¾cupbuttermilk, room temperature (180 ml)or make your own by mixing ¾ cup milk + 2¼ teaspoons lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes
1teaspoonvanilla extract
6ounces(160g) fresh or frozen raspberries (do not thaw if using frozen)
1½teaspoonscornstarch
For the Glaze
1cuppowdered sugar (120g)
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
1½teaspoonsmilk
Optional
Extra fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8x4-inch (20×10 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a small bowl, rub together the granulated sugar and lemon zest using your fingers until fragrant and slightly damp. Set aside.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g), 2 tablespoons lemon zest from about 2 medium lemons
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2¼ cups all-purpose flour (280 g), 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for about 1 minute until smooth. Add the lemon sugar and beat on medium speed for 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
2 large eggs, room temperature
Mix in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until combined.
Add half of the flour mixture and half of the buttermilk. Mix just until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and buttermilk. Do not overmix.
¾ cup buttermilk, room temperature (180 ml)
Place the raspberries in a small bowl and gently toss with the cornstarch. Do this step immediately before assembling the loaf so the berries don’t release excess moisture while sitting.
6 ounces (160g) fresh or frozen raspberries (do not thaw if using frozen), 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
Spoon about three-quarters of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. The pan should be a little more than half full.
Scatter most of the raspberries evenly over the batter, reserving about 6–8 to dot on top. Try to distribute them across the surface instead of piling them in one spot.
Spoon the remaining batter over the top and carefully spread it to cover the raspberries. Dot the reserved raspberries on top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C) and continue baking for 45–55 minutes, or until done. Loosely tent with foil after about 30 minutes if the top is browning too quickly.
Note: If using a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan, begin checking for doneness 5–10 minutes earlier, as the loaf may bake faster.
The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes, then lift out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Make the glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until thick and smooth.
1 cup powdered sugar (120g), 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice , 1½ teaspoons milk
Spread the glaze over the cooled loaf. Garnish with fresh raspberries, if desired.
Extra fresh raspberries for garnish
Enjoy!
Notes
Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for best texture.
Mix just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
Toss raspberries with cornstarch right before using.