Name: Perfect Party Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 4 large egg whites; 1 cup granulated white sugar; 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract; 1 cup granulated white sugar (for frosting); 4 large egg whites (for frosting); 3 cups unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2/3 cup raspberry preserves (stirred vigorously until spreadable); Fresh to taste raspberries (for garnish and in-between layers, if desired)

If you’re searching for a delightful dessert to impress your friends and family at your next gathering, look no further than this Perfect Party Cake! This cake is a true crowd-pleaser, featuring layers of moist cake filled with luscious raspberry preserves and topped with a creamy lemon buttercream. The combination of fresh lemon and sweet raspberry makes this cake not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create this stunning centerpiece for your next celebration.

Top Reasons to Make Perfect Party Cake

Stunning Presentation: With its layered structure and vibrant colors, this cake is sure to catch the eye of your guests.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon and raspberry creates a refreshing and delightful flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering, this cake fits the bill.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the flavors or fillings based on your preferences.
Make Ahead: This cake can be baked and assembled in advance, making party preparation easier.

Ingredient Checklist

2 cups cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 cup granulated white sugar (for frosting)
4 large egg whites (for frosting)
3 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
1/4 cup (about 2 lemons) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup raspberry preserves (stirred vigorously until spreadable)
Fresh raspberries, for garnish and in-between layers, if desired

Appliances & Accessories

Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients effectively.
Electric Mixer: Ideal for whipping egg whites and making buttercream.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
Baking Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans for baking the cake layers.
Cooling Rack: To cool the cake layers evenly and prevent sogginess.
Spatula: For spreading frosting and filling.
Offset Spatula: Perfect for frosting the sides and top of the cake.

Stepwise Method: Perfect Party Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg whites, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Buttercream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter for the frosting until soft and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of raspberry preserves on top, followed by a layer of lemon buttercream. If desired, add fresh raspberries between the layers. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting and filling process.

Step 9: Frost the Outside

Use the remaining lemon buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth out the frosting with an offset spatula for a clean finish.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Top the cake with fresh raspberries for an extra pop of color and flavor. Slice and serve at your gathering, and enjoy the compliments!

Make It Diet-Friendly

Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Lower Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the sugar in the cake and frosting to your desired level.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with aquafaba and use vegan butter to create a plant-based version.
Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy milk alternative and vegan butter in place of buttermilk and unsalted butter.

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
Don’t overmix the batter; it can lead to a dense cake.
Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Stir the raspberry preserves well before using to ensure an even spread.

Shelf Life & Storage

The Perfect Party Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days if kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you need to store it for an extended period, consider freezing the cake layers individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, which can last up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Quick Q&A

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While you can use all-purpose flour, cake flour gives a lighter and softer texture to the cake. If you must use all-purpose flour, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to each cup of flour to mimic cake flour.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, you can add more lemon juice for acidity, which balances the sweetness. Alternatively, increase the butter amount to create a richer, less sweet frosting.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.

What can I use instead of raspberry preserves?

Feel free to substitute with other fruit preserves such as strawberry, blueberry, or even a lemon curd for a different flavor twist.

Before You Go

This Perfect Party Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate. Its layers of moist cake, tangy lemon buttercream, and sweet raspberry filling make it a memorable dessert that is sure to be the highlight of any celebration. Remember, the joy of baking comes not only from the process but also from sharing delicious creations with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your guests with this stunning cake!