Strawberry Lemon Cake

This elegant Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful blend of fresh flavors, perfect for any occasion. With its moist lemon layers and smooth strawberry buttercream, this cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying. Ideal for spring picnics, summer celebrations, or any dessert table, this cake will impress your guests and elevate your gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: The combination of zesty lemon and sweet strawberries creates a vibrant taste that is refreshing and delightful.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a treat at home, this cake fits various celebrations.
• Stunning Presentation: Layered with beautiful colors and garnished with fresh fruit, this cake looks as good as it tastes.
• Moist Texture: The addition of sour cream ensures each slice is soft and moist.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious Strawberry Lemon Cake, gather the necessary tools to make the process easier and more enjoyable.

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: These tools make mixing ingredients quick and efficient, ensuring a well-blended batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having a variety of bowls helps organize ingredients during preparation.
• Cake pans: Using proper-sized pans ensures even baking and easy layer creation.

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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 Garnishing

• Fresh strawberries
• Lemon slices

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together using a stand mixer or hand mixer:
1. Butter until creamy.
2. Add granulated sugar and lemon zest; mix until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next.
4. Add sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix well.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Buttercream

In a clean mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until combined.
3. Mix in freeze-dried strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread an even layer of strawberry buttercream on top.
2. Place the second layer on top; frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream.

Step 9: Garnish

Finally, decorate with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an attractive finish before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Lemon Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake

Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its fresh flavors and vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece that everyone will enjoy.

For a Festive Gathering

• Add Berries: Top each slice with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully.

As a Garden Party Treat

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for a bit before serving to enhance its refreshing taste on warm days.
• Pair with Iced Tea: Serve alongside a glass of sweetened iced tea for a classic summer vibe.

At a Family Brunch

• Cut into Small Squares: For easier serving, cut the cake into small squares and serve on decorative platters.
• Offer Coffee or Tea: Provide coffee or herbal teas to balance the sweetness of the cake.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake

Achieving the perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake comes down to a few key techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently fold the ingredients until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking; an oven that runs hot can dry out your cake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the layers cool completely on wire racks to prevent melting the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cake

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Lemon Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing treat provides a tart contrast that complements the lemon flavor perfectly.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with vinegar adds a crisp, refreshing element to your meal.
5. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like goat cheese or brie to provide savory notes alongside dessert.
6. Herbed Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with fresh herbs adds nutrition while keeping things light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Lemon Cake can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the cake’s texture. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Bold Room Temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can lead to an uneven batter. Ensure all dairy and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
• Bold Overmixing Batter: Mixing the batter too much can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Bold Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause cakes to rise unevenly or collapse. Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven’s accuracy.
• Bold Frosting Too Soon: Frosting the cake while it’s still warm can melt the buttercream. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Lemon Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Use medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making this delightful Strawberry Lemon Cake, here are some answers to common questions.

What is Strawberry Lemon Cake?

Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delicious dessert that combines moist lemon-flavored cake layers with creamy strawberry buttercream frosting, creating a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.

Can I use fresh strawberries in the frosting?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be blended into the frosting instead of using freeze-dried powder. Just ensure they are pureed well to maintain a smooth consistency.

How do I make my Strawberry Lemon Cake more lemony?

To enhance the lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest and juice used in both the cake and frosting recipes.

What other flavors pair well with Strawberry Lemon Cake?

You can try adding flavors such as vanilla bean or almond extract for added depth. Experimenting with herbs like basil or mint can also create unique flavor profiles.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour to maintain texture and consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is not only visually stunning but also offers a burst of fresh flavors that make it perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits or flavors, making each version uniquely yours. Don’t hesitate—try baking this delightful cake and impress your friends and family!