Bright, moist, and bursting with fresh fruit flavor, this Gluten-Free Raspberry & Lemon Drizzle Cake is a delightful dessert perfect for spring, summer, or any time you crave a refreshing treat. The combination of tangy lemons and sweet raspberries creates a beautiful balance of flavors, while the zesty lemon drizzle soaks into the warm cake, making every bite incredibly tender and flavorful.
Whether served with afternoon tea, as a brunch centerpiece, or as a light dessert, this gluten-free cake is elegant, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely gluten-free
- Moist and tender crumb
- Fresh raspberry flavor
- Bright lemon drizzle
- Easy to make
- Perfect for celebrations and tea parties
- Freezes beautifully
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 45โ50 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield
10โ12 servings
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups (280 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ยผ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ยฝ cup (120 ml) milk
- 1ยฝ cups (180 g) fresh raspberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Drizzle
- ยพ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Garnish
- Fresh raspberries
- Lemon slices
- Extra powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan or round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Cooling rack
- Skewer or toothpick
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to:
350ยฐF (175ยฐC)
Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Gluten-free flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat:
- Butter
- Sugar
for:
3โ4 Minutes
until pale and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Mix in:
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk.
Mix gently until combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Raspberries
Carefully fold in:
- Fresh raspberries
to avoid crushing them.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake at:
350ยฐF (175ยฐC)
for:
45โ50 Minutes
or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Internal Temperature
The cake should reach:
205โ210ยฐF (96โ99ยฐC)
Step 8: Make the Lemon Drizzle
While the cake bakes, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
until smooth.
Step 9: Drizzle the Cake
While the cake is still warm, poke small holes all over the top using a skewer.
Slowly spoon the lemon drizzle over the cake.
Allow it to soak in completely.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Cool the cake in the pan for:
15 Minutes
before transferring to a wire rack.
Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla yogurt
- Fresh berries
- Lemon curd
- Hot tea or coffee
Perfect for afternoon tea, brunches, and celebrations.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Lemons
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best flavor.
Coat Raspberries in Flour
Toss raspberries in a tablespoon of gluten-free flour to help prevent sinking.
Don’t Overmix
Gentle mixing keeps the cake light and tender.
Drizzle While Warm
This allows the syrup to soak deeply into the cake.
Variations
Raspberry Lemon Loaf
Bake in a loaf pan for a classic tea cake presentation.
Mixed Berry Version
Replace half the raspberries with blueberries or blackberries.
Almond Raspberry Cake
Add:
- ยฝ teaspoon almond extract
for extra flavor.
Lemon Glaze Finish
Top with a thicker icing glaze after cooling.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for:
Up to 3 Days
Refrigerator
Store for:
Up to 1 Week
Freezer
Freeze slices individually for:
Up to 3 Months
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (12 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes. Use them directly from frozen and avoid thawing to prevent excess moisture.
Which gluten-free flour works best?
A high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum works best.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and use plant-based milk.
Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing or inaccurate flour measurements can affect the texture.
