Breathe in the sweet, zesty aroma of a freshly baked Strawberry Lemon Cake. Imagine soft, fluffy layers intertwined with the tangy burst of lemon and the juicy sweetness of strawberries. Each slice is a delightful experience that dances on your taste buds, promising sunshine even on the cloudiest days. cinnamon roll cake recipe strawberry cinnamon rolls with lemon glaze This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to celebrate life’s little moments. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry brownies recipe .
Picture yourself serving this vibrant treat at a picnic or a birthday party, where laughter mingles with delicious bites. It brings back memories of summer days spent in grandma’s kitchen, where the air was thick with sweetness and love. The anticipation builds as you cut into this masterpiece, revealing its beautiful layers—each one begging to be savored.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Lemon Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- Bursting with flavor, it combines sweet strawberries and zesty lemon for a refreshing taste
- Visually stunning, it will impress guests at any gathering or celebration
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, this cake suits any occasion from birthdays to brunches
I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends couldn’t get enough of it and asked for seconds—some even went for thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; sifting helps create a lighter cake.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using less if you prefer a tart balance with lemons.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum flavor; they should be bright red with no white spots.
- Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest gives an intense lemon flavor; avoid the bitter white pith by grating only the yellow part.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise; check the expiration date before use.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich texture; let it sit out before baking to soften properly.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor depth; avoid imitation extracts for this special cake.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture; substitute with buttermilk for added richness and tanginess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. pumpkin hummus recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
Create the Batter Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes; you’ll notice a pale color change.
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract and lemon zest. Mix until fully incorporated; your batter should smell heavenly already.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with milk until everything is just combined.
Add Strawberries for Fruity Goodness: Gently fold in chopped strawberries to keep them intact and juicy during baking. Avoid over-mixing to maintain that delightful texture!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Enjoy that intoxicating aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Now you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade Strawberry Lemon Cake! Nothing says love quite like sharing dessert made from scratch. pumpkin spice pancakes Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Strawberry Lemon Cake is not just delicious; it’s a stunning centerpiece for any occasion
- The balance of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon creates an inviting aroma, making your kitchen feel like a summer paradise
- You’ll want to savor every slice, trust me!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy; this ensures a light cake. Follow with eggs, then mix dry ingredients separately. Combine everything gently to maintain that airy texture we love in cakes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist. Adding a splash of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Strawberry Lemon Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to warm it slightly without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To nail this recipe, use fresh strawberries for vibrant flavor and color
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for better incorporation
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the cake light and fluffy, avoiding dense disasters!
When I first made Strawberry Lemon Cake, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. One said it tasted like sunshine on a plate—who knew baking could make such an impact! For more inspiration, check out this cheesy garlic breadsticks recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
You can use coconut oil or applesauce as healthier alternatives to butter.
Can I freeze Strawberry Lemon Cake?
Yes, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer.
How do I achieve a stronger lemon flavor?
Add more lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon extract to intensify citrus notes.
Strawberry Lemon Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons. This cake features soft, fluffy layers that create a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a summer picnic, each slice promises to transport you to sunny days filled with laughter and joy. Easy to make, this visually stunning cake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract and lemon zest until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet mixture alternating with milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
