Strawberry Lemon Cake

This delightful Strawberry Lemon Cake is an ideal dessert for spring and summer gatherings. With its light and moist lemon layers paired with smooth strawberry buttercream, it’s perfect for birthdays, picnics, or family gatherings. This cake not only pleases the palate but also looks stunning on any table. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a standout treat that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Flavors: The combination of zesty lemon and fruity strawberry creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
• Versatile Occasion: This cake suits various occasions, from casual get-togethers to formal celebrations.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this elegant dessert.
• Beautiful Presentation: Layered with vivid colors, this cake is visually appealing and sure to impress guests.
• Customizable Frosting: The strawberry buttercream can be adapted with fresh fruits or flavors to suit your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake, having the right tools is essential. Here are some items you’ll need in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating butter and sugar for a light texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess, allowing for easy mixing of dry and wet components.

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Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 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). Grease and flour two round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat together:
1. Butter
2. Granulated sugar

Mix until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool Layers

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Strawberry Buttercream

While cooling, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar followed by freeze-dried strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and whole milk as needed for consistency.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream.

Step 10: Decorate

Finish by garnishing with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an attractive presentation.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Lemon Cake! It’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake

Serving your Strawberry Lemon Cake can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative suggestions to enhance your presentation and enjoyment.

For a Brunch Gathering

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Pair your cake with a colorful mix of seasonal fruits for a refreshing contrast.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea to complement the cake’s flavors.

For a Celebration

• Decorative Plating: Use edible flowers or mint leaves on the plate for an elegant touch.
• Ice Cream Scoop: A small scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet on the side adds creaminess and coolness.

For Casual Enjoyment

• Simply Slice with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
• Lemon Zest Garnish: Sprinkle some lemon zest on each slice for an extra burst of citrus aroma.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake

Creating the perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some helpful tips to ensure success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Layers Completely: Allow each cake layer to cool completely before frosting; this prevents melting and maintains design integrity.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for organic lemons and fresh strawberries for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cake

While Strawberry Lemon Cake is fantastic on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these options:

1. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides freshness that pairs well with lemon.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This light, tangy dessert cleanses the palate between bites of rich cake.
3. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti offers a delightful contrast in texture alongside the softness of the cake.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness with savory notes for a sophisticated touch.
5. Herb-Infused Water: Refreshing water infused with mint or basil enhances hydration while complementing the flavors of your dessert.
6. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette cuts through sweetness and offers a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Strawberry Lemon Cake can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Too much flour or sugar can ruin the cake’s texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Skipping the Zest: The zest of lemon adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step to keep your cake vibrant and tasty.
• Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep an eye on baking time. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Freezing Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for extra protection.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cake on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Strawberry Lemon Cake:

What is Strawberry Lemon Cake?

Strawberry Lemon Cake is a layered dessert featuring moist lemon-flavored cake paired with rich strawberry buttercream, perfect for spring and summer celebrations.

Can I use fresh strawberries?

Yes! Fresh strawberries can be used as decoration or mixed into the buttercream for added flavor and texture.

How do I make my cake more lemony?

To enhance the lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest or add extra lemon juice to both the cake batter and frosting.

Can I make this Strawberry Lemon Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers in advance and assemble them on the day you plan to serve.

How do I store leftover Strawberry Lemon Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors that celebrate spring and summer. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fillings or toppings. Try this recipe, and enjoy creating a delicious treat that will impress everyone!