Golden Sunshine: Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe Worth Savoring

Sweet summer days call for a delightful strawberry lemon cake that bursts with vibrant flavors and tantalizing aromas.

This mouthwatering dessert combines the bright zestiness of fresh lemons with the luscious sweetness of ripe strawberries.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of tartness and sugary goodness that dances across your taste buds.

Soft, tender layers adorned with a creamy frosting create a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will impress everyone at the table.

Whip up this show-stopping cake and watch as smiles spread wider with every delectable bite.

What’s In Strawberry Lemon Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the cake's foundation.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Key leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the batter.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth texture and carries deep flavor throughout the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and moisture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, tender crumb with its acidity.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, comforting undertone to complement fruity flavors.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty citrus notes that elevate the entire dessert.
• Fresh Strawberries: Adds bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color throughout the cake.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth base for the frosting with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve perfect frosting consistency.
• Strawberry Puree: Infuses natural fruit flavor and beautiful pink color into the frosting.

What You’ll Need For Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating eggs, and mixing frosting smoothly.
• Large and Medium Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing cake batter and separating dry and wet ingredients.
• 9-inch Cake Pans: Two non-stick pans for even baking of cake layers.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
• Spatula: Helps fold strawberries into batter and spread frosting evenly.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool completely without becoming soggy.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester: Checks cake doneness by inserting into center.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create fresh lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
• Serving Plate: For presenting and serving the finished cake.

How To Bake Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Warm Up the Oven

Kick off your baking adventure by heating the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab two cake pans and give them a friendly coating of grease, then line them with parchment paper.

• Create the Cake Magic

In one bowl, blend your dry ingredients with a whisk. In another bowl, whip butter and sugar into a fluffy cloud. Gently add eggs one by one, mixing in vanilla, lemon zest, and juice. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, stirring until just combined. Tenderly fold in those vibrant strawberry chunks.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter equally into your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until wonderfully fluffy. Stir in strawberry puree, lemon juice, and vanilla for a burst of flavor.

• Assemble Your Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a luscious layer of frosting. Crown with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. Decorate with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a showstopping finish.

Tips To Boost Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Moisture Magic: Add an extra tablespoon of buttermilk to ensure an ultra-moist cake that stays soft and tender for days.
• Strawberry Swap: Replace fresh strawberries with frozen ones, but gently pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Use vegan butter, coconut cream cheese, and plant-based milk to create a delicious dairy-free version of this cake.
• Make-Ahead Trick: Prepare cake layers in advance and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. They'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frosting.

Ideas For Serving Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Berry Blissful Brunch Companion: Pair this vibrant cake with a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful morning treat.
• Summer Dessert Centerpiece: Create an elegant dessert display by adding edible flowers, mint leaves, and powdered sugar dusting around the cake's base.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the cake into smaller portions and serve on a beautiful tiered stand alongside delicate tea sandwiches and Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated gathering.
• Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack individual cake slices in mason jars for a portable and charming outdoor dessert that's easy to transport and share with friends.

How To Store Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Fridge-Fresh Storage: Keep cake covered in an airtight container for 3-4 days at 40°F. Refrigeration helps maintain frosting texture and prevents strawberry spoilage.
• Room Temperature Rest: Allow chilled cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore soft, tender crumb and enhance flavor depth.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before assembling and frosting.
• Slice Separation Trick: Place wax paper between cake slices when storing to prevent sticking and maintain individual piece quality during refrigeration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 13

Vibrant Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Strawberry lemon cake blends zesty citrus with sweet berries in a delightful dessert. Fresh strawberries and lemon zest create a perfect balance of flavors for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups (590 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1.75 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking)
• 2.5 tsps baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup (113 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 3.5 cups (420 g) powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup fresh strawberry puree (blended strawberries, strained to remove seeds if desired)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh sliced strawberries
• Lemon zest
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Ingredient Preparation: Thoroughly combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of flour, leavening agents, and seasoning.
2. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, voluminous texture with a pale, airy consistency.
3. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each, then gently fold in lemon essence and citrus zest to amplify flavor complexity.
4. Batter Development: Alternately blend dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture, using a gentle folding technique to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
5. Fruit Incorporation: Carefully fold diced strawberries throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
6. Pan Preparation: Line circular baking pans with parchment paper and apply a light grease to prevent sticking.
7. Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes, or until a testing implement comes out clean.
8. Cooling Stage: Allow baked layers to rest briefly in pans, then transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
9. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, silky consistency, gradually incorporating powdered sweetener to create a cloud-like mixture.
10. Flavor Enhancement: Infuse frosting with strawberry essence, citrus notes, and vanilla extract for a vibrant flavor profile.
11. Cake Assembly: Place first cake layer on a serving platform, spreading a generous frosting layer, then carefully position the second layer.
12. Final Decoration: Completely cover the cake with strawberry-lemon frosting, garnishing with fresh strawberry segments, delicate lemon zest curls, or optional whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Strawberry Texture: Gently pat strawberries dry before folding into batter to prevent excess moisture from disrupting cake’s delicate structure.
• Zest Intensification Technique: Massage lemon zest into sugar before creaming to release essential oils and maximize citrus flavor depth.
• Temperature Precision: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent cake texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for improved structural integrity and moisture retention.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg