This elegant and simple Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful blend of flavors that embodies the essence of spring and summer. With its moist lemon cake layers and smooth strawberry buttercream, it’s perfect for birthdays, garden parties, or any celebration. The bright citrus notes combined with fresh strawberries make this dessert not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of lemon and strawberry creates a refreshing taste that is perfect for warm weather.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this stunning layer cake.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: This cake is ideal for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the strawberries and lemon zest make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Delightfully Moist: Thanks to the sour cream and butter, each slice is rich and moist, ensuring everyone goes back for seconds.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Strawberry Lemon Cake seamlessly, having the right tools will make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cake pans (two 9-inch)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes mixing batter easy and ensures creamy buttercream consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cake.
- Cake pans: Using proper-sized pans helps the cake bake evenly, resulting in perfectly layered slices.
Ingredients
This elegant and simple Strawberry Lemon Cake is so fresh and delicious! It has delicious layers of moist and fresh lemon cake layered together with smooth strawberry buttercream. A perfect spring and summer cake.
Ingredients:
For the Cake
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 300 g granulated sugar
- Zest of one large organic lemon or two small
- 180 g butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 240 g sour cream (room temperature)
- 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Buttercream
- 400 g butter (room temperature)
- 660 g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freeze dried strawberry powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp whole milk (room temperature)
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Lemon slices
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: layer cake, lemon, strawberry
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 883 kcal, Carbs: 106 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 50 g, Saturated Fat: 29 g, Cholesterol: 171 mg, Sodium: 581 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 81 g
How to Make Strawberry Lemon Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans
Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. You can also line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt
Mix until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together:
1. Granulated sugar
2. Lemon zest
3. Butter until light in color.
Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Make Strawberry Buttercream
In a stand mixer or bowl with a hand mixer, beat together:
1. Room temperature butter until creamy,
2. Gradually add powdered sugar,
3. Blend in freeze-dried strawberry powder,
4. Add milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once cakes are completely cool:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate,
2. Spread an even layer of strawberry buttercream on top,
3. Add second layer on top,
4. Frost entire cake with remaining buttercream.
Step 9: Garnish
Decorate with fresh strawberries and lemon slices to enhance presentation before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Lemon Cake!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake
Serving Strawberry Lemon Cake is all about enhancing its fresh flavors and inviting presentation. Here are a few creative ways to serve this delightful dessert.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of the cake on a plate, garnished with fresh strawberries and a lemon slice for a classic look.
Individual Mini Cakes
- Cut the cake into smaller rounds using a cookie cutter and stack them for individual servings, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Layered Parfait
- Crumble the cake layers into cups and alternate with strawberry buttercream for a beautiful layered parfait. Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Cake Pops
- Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling it, mixing it with frosting, and shaping it into balls on sticks. Dip in chocolate for a fun treat!
Picnic Style
- Pack slices in individual containers along with fresh fruit and lemonade for a refreshing picnic treat that’s easy to transport.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices of Strawberry Lemon Cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lemon sorbet to complement the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake
To achieve the ultimate Strawberry Lemon Cake, follow these simple tips that will elevate your baking experience.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cake. Too much flour can lead to dryness.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tougher cake.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven runs true to temperature; this ensures even baking.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before adding buttercream; this prevents melting and sliding.
- Experiment with Fresh Fruits: Consider adding fresh strawberries between layers or as decoration for an extra burst of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cake
Pairing your Strawberry Lemon Cake with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Lemonade: A refreshing drink that balances the sweetness of the cake, making it perfect for summer days.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, enhancing the fruity flavors of the cake.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream provides lightness and richness that pairs beautifully with strawberry flavors.
- Mint Tea: The coolness of mint tea offers a delightful contrast to the sweet notes of the cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses complements both lemon and strawberry flavors, creating a sophisticated pairing.
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These treats add an elegant touch and an extra layer of sweetness alongside your cake.
- Pistachio Nuts: Their crunchiness adds texture, while their earthy flavor complements the bright notes of lemon.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights offer a tropical twist that pairs well with both lemon and strawberry elements in your dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Strawberry Lemon Cake, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to a dense cake. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a light texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Ignoring the baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake and use a toothpick to check for doneness instead of relying solely on the timer.
- Overmixing the batter: This can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender and moist.
- Forgetting to cool layers completely: If you frost a warm cake, the buttercream can melt. Ensure your cake layers are completely cool before decorating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: This keeps your Strawberry Lemon Cake fresh.
- Consume within 3-5 days: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within this timeframe.
Freezing Strawberry Lemon Cake
- Wrap each layer separately: Use plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months: Ensure you label them with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my Strawberry Lemon Cake more lemony?
You can increase the amount of lemon zest or add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries in the buttercream?
Yes, but make sure they are thawed and drained well before adding them to avoid excess moisture in your frosting.
What is the best way to decorate my Strawberry Lemon Cake?
Fresh strawberries and lemon slices make great toppings. You can also drizzle some lemon glaze for added sweetness.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Lemon Cake?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lemon Cake is not only beautiful but also bursting with fresh flavors that are perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with other fruits or flavors as you desire. Give this delightful dessert a try, and impress your friends and family with its refreshing taste!
Strawberry Lemon Cake
Indulge in the refreshing taste of our Strawberry Lemon Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer. With its moist lemon cake layers enveloped in velvety strawberry buttercream, this cake is a stunning centerpiece for any occasion, from birthdays to garden parties. The vibrant flavors of zesty lemon and juicy strawberries combine to create an irresistible treat that’s not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. Easy to make and visually appealing, this Strawberry Lemon Cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds!
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Ingredients
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 300 g granulated sugar
- Zest of one large organic lemon
- 180 g butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 240 g sour cream (room temperature)
- 60 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 400 g butter (room temperature, for buttercream)
- 660 g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freeze dried strawberry powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp whole milk (room temperature)
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream sugar, lemon zest, and butter until light. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with strawberry buttercream made by mixing room temperature butter with powdered sugar and freeze-dried strawberries.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 883
- Sugar: 81g
- Sodium: 581mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 29g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 106g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 171mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. For added lemon flavor, adjust the amount of lemon zest or juice. Decorate with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an eye-catching finish.
