Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe – Summer Dessert

Strawberry lemonade cake recipe combines the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of strawberries, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.

Strawberry lemonade cake is a delightful, refreshing dessert perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet, tangy treat.

The cake itself is moist and fluffy, with layers of lemon-infused cake and strawberry filling, all topped with a creamy lemon-strawberry frosting.

It’s a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning with its vibrant colours.

How To Prepare Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories Per Serving: 450

Yield: 12 servings

Equipment Needed

• 2 mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester or grater
• Cake stand or serving platter

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice

For the Strawberry Filling

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Lemon Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

How To Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe?

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix in the lemon zest and juice until just combined.

6. Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let it cool completely before using.

8. Make the Lemon Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.

9. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of strawberry filling over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the lemon buttercream frosting.

10. Decorate and Serve

Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries and lemon slices if desired. Slice and serve!

Special Note

This cake is best enjoyed the day it is made but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavour and texture.

Healthy Information

Strawberries are packed with vitamins, fiber, and particularly high levels of antioxidants known as Polyphemus.

They are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie food. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function and skin health.

Variations For Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

1. Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Fill each cupcake with strawberry filling and top with frosting.

2. Lemon-Blueberry Variation: Substitute blueberries for strawberries in the filling and puree. This creates a delicious lemon-blueberry cake.

3. Vegan Option: Replace the butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Tips For Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.

2. Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavour. Bottled lemon juice can be too acidic and alter the taste.

3. Strawberry Puree: For the frosting, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.

4. Cooling Time: Allow the cakes and the strawberry filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting.

5. Decorating: For a professional look, use a piping bag to decorate the cake with rosettes or other designs. You can also add edible flowers or other decorative elements to enhance the presentation.

Conclusion

Baking the ultimate strawberry lemonade cake is a delightful journey that brings together vibrant flavors and beautiful aesthetics.

The tangy lemons and sweet strawberries create a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and satisfying.

This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for any special occasion.

Baking is an art and a science, but it’s also a form of love that you share with those around you. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the ultimate strawberry lemonade cake.

Your friends and family will thank you, and you’ll have a new favourite recipe to add to your repertoire. Happy baking!