This Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! Its layers of moist lemon cake paired with creamy strawberry buttercream create a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake will impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavors: The combination of fresh lemon and strawberries creates a refreshing taste that brightens up any meal.
- Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or afternoon tea, this cake suits various events.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Stunning Presentation: Layering the cake with strawberry buttercream not only tastes great but looks beautiful on any dessert table.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a hit with everyone.
Tools and Preparation
To create this mouthwatering Strawberry Lemon Cake, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Cake pans: Using the right size pans helps achieve even baking, resulting in beautifully shaped layers.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cake as it cools, preventing sogginess.
Ingredients
To make this exquisite Strawberry Lemon Cake, gather the following 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: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Zest of lemon
Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate:
1. Sour cream
2. Vegetable oil
3. Lemon juice
4. Vanilla extract
Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Buttercream
In a mixing bowl, beat together room temperature butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of strawberry buttercream on top before adding the second layer of cake. Finish frosting the top and sides with remaining strawberry buttercream.
Step 9: Decorate
Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an appealing presentation.
Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Lemon Cake!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake
Serving Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments and presentation styles. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a casual gathering, here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing dessert.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of Strawberry Lemon Cake alongside a bowl of fresh mixed berries for added flavor and texture.
Add Whipped Cream
- A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each slice elevates the cake’s lightness and adds a creamy contrast.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Sprinkling fresh mint leaves on top not only enhances the presentation but adds a pop of freshness that complements the cake’s flavors.
Create Dessert Plates
- Plate individual servings with lemon slices and strawberries for an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties or celebrations.
Use Cake Stands
- Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand to create an eye-catching centerpiece at your gathering.
Serve with Lemonade
- Complement your cake with a refreshing glass of lemonade, which pairs beautifully with the lemony flavors of the cake.
How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake
To ensure your Strawberry Lemon Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
Measure Flour Properly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife; this prevents dense cake from too much flour.
Do Not Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cake; overmixing can lead to dense texture instead of light and airy layers.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures neat slices when serving.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Lemon Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:
Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and complements the citrus notes in the cake.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a colorful, healthy balance alongside the rich cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic pairing that contrasts nicely with the tartness of the lemon.
Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse creates an indulgent contrast that many will enjoy.
Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio crumble adds texture and nutty flavor, enhancing each bite of cake.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt parfaits filled with granola and fruit add healthiness and freshness to your dessert table.
Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons provide a sweet contrast that balances well with the tangy flavors of the cake.
Chilled Herbal Tea: A refreshing chilled herbal tea can be served as a beverage option that complements the sweet flavors elegantly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Strawberry Lemon Cake can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always allow your ingredients to sit out for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake tough instead of fluffy. Mix just until combined; a few lumps are okay!
- Skipping the zest: Lemon zest is crucial for flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds a vibrant lemony essence that enhances the cake.
- Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cool can ruin your cake. Always preheat and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Strawberry Lemon Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Strawberry Lemon Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it may dry out.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat with a lid on. Heat gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Strawberry Lemon Cake:
How can I make my Strawberry Lemon Cake more lemony?
You can increase the amount of lemon juice and zest in both the cake batter and frosting for a stronger lemon flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries in the frosting?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure they are thawed and drained well before blending them into the frosting.
What type of butter should I use in my Strawberry Lemon Cake?
Using high-quality unsalted butter will give you better control over the salt content and enhance the overall flavor of your cake.
Is there a vegan version of Strawberry Lemon Cake?
Absolutely! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter along with non-dairy sour cream for an excellent vegan alternative.
How do I prevent my strawberry buttercream from being runny?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not melted, and gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Lemon Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can customize it with different fruits or icings according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and delight in its fresh flavors!
Strawberry Lemon Cake
Indulge in the delightful freshness of Strawberry Lemon Cake, a perfect blend of zesty lemon and luscious strawberry that captures the essence of spring and summer. This cake features moist layers of lemon-infused sponge, lovingly topped with creamy strawberry buttercream. Ideal for birthdays, picnics, or afternoon tea, this dessert not only impresses with its vibrant flavors but also with its stunning presentation. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser among kids and adults alike. Elevate your dessert game and enjoy every bite of this refreshing treat!
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 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 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
- 400 g butter (room temperature) for frosting
- 660 g powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 2–3 tbsp whole milk (room temperature)
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
- Lemon slices for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the frosting, beat room temperature butter with powdered sugar until smooth; mix in strawberry powder and milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, layer with strawberry buttercream between tiers and cover the top and sides.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (125g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, increase the lemon zest or use fresh strawberries in the frosting. A splash of lemon juice can enhance the cake's moistness if desired. Customize your decoration with additional berries or lemon slices for a festive touch.