Strawberry Lemon Cake

This elegant and simple Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With layers of moist lemon cake paired with smooth strawberry buttercream, this dessert is both refreshing and flavorful. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cake will surely impress your guests and sweeten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: The combination of strawberry and lemon creates a light, vibrant taste that shines in every bite.
• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or simply as a delightful dessert after dinner.
• Beautiful Presentation: The bright colors and fresh fruit garnishes make this cake visually stunning, adding charm to any table.
• Layered Delight: The rich layers not only enhance the flavor but also provide a delightful texture experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will make your baking journey enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (two 9-inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes whipping butter and sugar easy, ensuring a fluffy texture in your batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are crucial for baking success; these tools help you get it right every time.
• Cooling rack: Utilizing a cooling rack allows your cake layers to cool evenly without getting soggy.

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 Garnish

• Fresh strawberries
• Lemon slices

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pans

Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then incorporate the sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until combined.

Step 6: Combine with Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 8: Cool Layers

Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make Strawberry Buttercream

In another bowl, beat together room-temperature butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Mix until smooth.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Step 11: Garnish

Decorate with fresh strawberries and lemon slices around or on top of your Strawberry Lemon Cake for an inviting touch. Enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake

Serving Strawberry Lemon Cake is all about enhancing its fresh flavors. This cake is perfect for celebrations or a delightful afternoon treat. Here are some creative ways to present it.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve slices of the cake alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful touch.
• Citrus Slices: Add lemon or orange slices on the plate for an extra zing that complements the lemon flavor.

Use Whipped Cream

• Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top of each slice adds creaminess and richness.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider infusing whipped cream with vanilla or citrus zest to match the cake’s flavors.

Add Garnishes

• Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves not only enhance the presentation but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Strawberry Sauce: Drizzle homemade strawberry sauce around the plate for added color and flavor.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the tangy cake, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.
• Lemon Sorbet: For a lighter option, consider serving lemon sorbet, which adds an extra burst of citrus.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake

Perfecting your Strawberry Lemon Cake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients like butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents dense cake textures.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and airy. Overmixing can lead to tough results.
• Cool Layers Properly: Allow each layer to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting your buttercream and ensures neat layers.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your buttercream as you go. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar or a pinch of salt.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cake

Complementing your Strawberry Lemon Cake with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses pairs well, adding savory notes alongside sweet cake.
3. Pistachio Cookies: These nutty cookies provide a crunchy contrast that enhances each bite of cake.
4. Lemon Curd Tartlets: Mini tartlets filled with lemon curd can echo the flavors in your cake while offering a different texture.
5. Chilled Tea: Iced herbal or green tea serves as a refreshing drink pairing that complements fruity desserts.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a light side that contrasts nicely with the rich cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can affect how well they incorporate. Always bring ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Ignoring the baking time: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.
• Skipping the lemon zest: This adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; use fresh zest for the best taste.
• Using old baking powder or soda: Check expiration dates. Fresh leavening agents ensure your cake rises properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Strawberry Lemon Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator 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 without losing flavor.

Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covered, for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Strawberry Lemon Cake so special?

This cake combines zesty lemon flavor with sweet strawberry buttercream, creating a perfect balance that’s refreshing and satisfying.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to frost and serve.

How do I customize my Strawberry Lemon Cake?

Consider adding other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or try different frostings such as cream cheese for variety.

What is the best way to decorate my Strawberry Lemon Cake?

Fresh strawberries and lemon slices make beautiful decorations. You can also sprinkle some additional strawberry powder on top for color!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for spring gatherings or summer celebrations. Feel free to customize it with various fruits or frostings to suit your taste. Enjoy baking this delightful treat!