Strawberry Lemon Cake

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring and summer. With its moist lemon cake layers and luscious strawberry buttercream, it’s perfect for celebrations, picnics, or just a sweet indulgence at home. This cake is not only visually appealing but also bursting with fresh flavors, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: The combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberries creates a refreshing taste that is ideal for warm days.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this beautiful cake without difficulty.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack; its appeal is universal.
• Stunning Presentation: Layered cakes always impress, and this one topped with fresh strawberries looks as good as it tastes.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or incorporate additional flavors like vanilla or other fruits.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Strawberry Lemon Cake, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure smooth preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Baking pans (9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter and buttercream to achieve a fluffy consistency.
• Baking pans: Ensure even baking; round pans help create the perfect layers needed for this cake’s structure.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 Strawberry 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 Decoration

• Fresh strawberries
• Lemon slices

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

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

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the lemon zest, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture in three parts, alternating with sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients while mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Once baked, remove from oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Strawberry Buttercream

In a clean bowl, beat together room temperature butter and powdered sugar until light. Add freeze dried strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and milk; mix until smooth.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are cooled completely, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Step 10: Decorate

Garnish your Strawberry Lemon Cake with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an extra pop of color!

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Lemon Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake

The delightful Strawberry Lemon Cake is perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual afternoon gathering, serving suggestions can elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Presentation

• Serve slices of the cake on elegant plates, garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for a beautiful display.

Layered Parfaits

• Crumble leftover cake into cups and layer with whipped cream and strawberry sauce for a fun parfait dessert.

Afternoon Tea Delight

• Pair slices of Strawberry Lemon Cake with tea, enhancing the flavors of lemon and strawberry while enjoying a relaxing afternoon.

Ice Cream Companion

• Serve warm slices alongside a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

Picnic Treat

• Cut the cake into squares and pack them in a container for an easy-to-share dessert at picnics or outdoor gatherings.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Lemon Cake turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and promotes even baking.
• Measure accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to maintain texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and light.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the buttercream from melting off the cake and ensures smooth application.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your buttercream and adjust powdered sugar as needed for your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cake

A slice of Strawberry Lemon Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its bright flavors. Here are some ideal options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and balances the citrus notes in the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a creamy contrast that enhances each bite.
3. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate between bites of rich cake.
4. Minty Yogurt Dip: Greek yogurt mixed with mint offers a cool, refreshing side that pairs well with dessert.
5. Tea Selection: Various herbal or fruity teas can enhance the flavor profile of Strawberry Lemon Cake during tea time.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can balance the sweet flavors, providing a savory contrast that excites the taste buds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Strawberry Lemon Cake can be delightful, but it’s easy to make errors. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your cake. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Bold overlooking room temperature: Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Make sure eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature.
• Bold neglecting flavor balance: Too much lemon or sugar can overpower the cake. Taste your batter and adjust as needed before baking.
• Bold skipping cooling time: Cutting the cake too soon can lead to a messy presentation. Let your layers cool completely before frosting.
• Bold ignoring decoration tips: A plain cake may not look appealing. Add fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an attractive finish.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Bold oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for 10 minutes.
• Bold microwave method: Heat one slice at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Bold stovetop method: Place in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Strawberry Lemon Cake.

Can I use frozen strawberries in the frosting?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if thawed and pureed. Drain excess liquid for best results.

How do I make the cake more lemony?

Add additional lemon zest or a bit more lemon juice to enhance the lemon flavor without altering the texture significantly.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour in this Strawberry Lemon Cake recipe.

What is the best way to frost my cake?

Use an offset spatula for smooth application of frosting, ensuring even coverage across all layers of your Strawberry Lemon Cake.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is not just delicious but also versatile, perfect for any occasion. You can customize it with different fruits or fillings according to your taste preference. Give it a try and impress your friends and family!