Lemon raspberry layered dessert is a vibrant, tangy, and sweet treat featuring layers of lemon cake, whipped cream, and fresh raspberries. Its refreshing citrus flavor combined with the tartness of raspberries makes it a perfect dessert for spring and summer gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is visually stunning and bursting with fresh flavor. The balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet layers makes it delightful to serve at events or as an elegant ending to any meal. It’s also easy to assemble ahead of time and requires no special techniques.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lemon cake (baked and cooled)
- Fresh raspberries
- Lemon curd or lemon pudding
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Bake the lemon cake as directed and let it cool completely. Cut into cubes.
- In a trifle dish or glasses, layer lemon cake cubes, lemon curd, whipped cream, and raspberries.
- Repeat layers until the container is filled.
- Finish with whipped cream, raspberries, powdered sugar, and mint.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Use sponge cake or pound cake for a different texture.
- Add lemon zest to the whipped cream for extra citrus flavor.
- Layer with raspberry jam for enhanced raspberry notes.
- Make individual servings in parfait glasses.
Storage/Reheating
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is not suitable for freezing due to the whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first.
Can I make it a day ahead?
Yes, it’s ideal for preparing in advance.
Can I use store-bought lemon cake?
Absolutely, for a quicker preparation.
Can I substitute lemon curd?
Yes, use lemon pudding or a cream cheese-lemon mixture.
How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?
Layer carefully and serve within a day for best texture.
Can I use a different berry?
Yes, blueberries or strawberries also work well.
Can I add nuts?
Sliced almonds or crushed pistachios can add texture.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix if needed.
Can I make it vegan?
Use vegan cake, whipped topping, and curd alternatives.
Can I assemble it in a baking dish?
Yes, any deep dish will work for layering.
Conclusion
Lemon raspberry layered dessert is a refreshing and elegant sweet dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressive to serve. With its bright flavors and stunning presentation, it’s a crowd-pleasing choice for any special occasion.
Print
Lemon Raspberry Layered
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon raspberry layered dessert is a fresh, tangy, and sweet treat made with layers of lemon cake, whipped cream, lemon curd, and fresh raspberries, ideal for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon cake (baked and cooled)
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1 cup lemon curd or lemon pudding
- 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the lemon cake according to package or recipe instructions and allow to cool completely. Cut into cubes.
- In a trifle dish or serving glasses, layer lemon cake cubes, lemon curd, whipped cream, and fresh raspberries.
- Repeat layers until the container is filled, ending with whipped cream on top.
- Top with extra raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and mint leaves if using.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought lemon cake for quicker prep.
- Thaw and drain frozen raspberries if using.
- Serve within a day to avoid soggy cake layers.
- Lemon zest in whipped cream adds extra citrus zing.
- Layer in individual parfait glasses for elegant presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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