Sweet Strawberry Lemonade Cake: A Burst of Summer in Every Bite

Photo byAngie Bright

Sweet Strawberry Lemonade Cake 🍋🍓

There’s something magical about the combination of fresh strawberries and tangy lemons. Together, they create a refreshing flavor that evokes the joy of summer, no matter what time of year. The Sweet Strawberry Lemonade Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to birthday celebrations. It brings together the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the zesty punch of lemon, wrapped up in a soft, buttery cake.

Imagine biting into a moist, fluffy cake with layers of rich lemon frosting. Each bite gives you a burst of bright citrus, followed by the natural sweetness of strawberries. The cake is not overly complicated but packs a delicious punch. The balance of flavors makes it perfect for those who crave a dessert that’s not too sweet, but still decadent enough to feel like a treat.

Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Lemon Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for consistency)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure your cake rises evenly and has the right texture.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes and helps incorporate air into the batter for a soft texture. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, infusing the batter with that bright lemony flavor.
4. Stir in the strawberry puree, which gives the cake its sweet strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink hue. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Once the cakes are baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important to let them cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
7. For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
8. To assemble, spread a layer of lemon frosting between the two cake layers. Then, generously frost the top and sides of the cake. If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra touch of flair.

The Sweet Finish

This Sweet Strawberry Lemonade Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be the star of any birthday party or a casual treat for a weekend gathering. The tangy lemon combined with the sweet strawberry makes it a refreshing dessert that everyone will love. Plus, its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a go-to recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Serve this cake chilled for an extra refreshing bite or at room temperature to enhance the flavors. However you choose to enjoy it, this cake will leave everyone reaching for seconds!

Sources for the recipe:

1. Bon Appétit
2. AllRecipes
3. Sally's Baking Addiction