The sun is shining, and the air is filled with laughter. Imagine a slice of Strawberry Lemonade Cake, where the sweet strawberries meet a tangy lemon zing, creating a delightful dance on your taste buds. The vibrant pink hue beckons you to take a bite, and as you do, it feels like summer has exploded in your mouth.
Now picture this: youβre at a backyard barbecue, surrounded by friends and family, and the centerpiece is this stunning cake. The aroma wafts through the air, promising a refreshing burst of flavor that brings smiles all around. Just one bite transports you to a sun-drenched picnic with carefree daysβa perfect treat for any occasion!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is easy to whip up and sure to impress your guests
- Its flavor profile combines sweet and tart in perfect harmony
- Visually stunning with its pink and yellow hues, itβs an eye-catching dessert
- Versatile enough for summer gatherings or birthday parties, this cake suits any celebration beautifully
I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends devoured it in minutes and asked for secondsβletβs just say it disappeared faster than my willpower at a donut shop!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
-
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; itβs the foundation of your cake.
-
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can use less if youβre feeling adventurous.
-
Baking Powder: Essential for that light, fluffy cake; make sure itβs fresh for optimal rise.
-
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavorsβdonβt skip it!
-
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich flavor; room temperature is key for proper creaming.
-
Eggs: Use large eggs; they help bind everything together beautifully.
-
Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and ripe strawberries add flavor and color; mash them slightly for better incorporation.
-
Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; zest enhances that citrus flavor even more.
-
Milk: Whole milk contributes moisture; itβs a must-have for that tender crumb.
-
Powdered Sugar: For the frosting; it gives that sweet finish we all love!
-
Heavy Cream: Whipped cream adds lightness to your frosting; donβt overbeat or itβll turn into butter!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together!
Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal later.
Create Your Batter Base
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffyβthis usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it airy like your dreams of winning the lottery!
Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in lemon zest and juice to infuse that delightful citrus aroma.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your batter while alternating with milk until everything is just combinedβdonβt overmix or youβll end up with tough cake!
Add Strawberries
Gently fold in mashed strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the batterβthis will bring those beautiful pink swirls into play!
Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out cleanβyour kitchen should smell heavenly right about now!
Cool & Frost Your Cakes
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Once completely cool, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; spread generously between layers and on top!
And there you have it! A Strawberry Lemonade Cake thatβs not only visually stunning but also bursting with delightful flavors! Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from everyone around you!
You Must Know
- Strawberry Lemonade Cake is more than just a dessert; itβs a conversation starter
- The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors create an irresistible treat that brightens any occasion
- Enjoy it at summer picnics or cozy family dinners for instant smiles and sweet memories
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake layers first, allowing them to cool while you prepare the frosting and toppings. This sequence keeps your kitchen organized and ensures everything comes together seamlessly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh strawberries for frozen ones or add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Personalizing the recipe makes each bite uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature before serving again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter that rises perfectly
- Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake
- Always taste your frosting before spreading it on the cake for maximum deliciousness!
Sharing this delightful recipe with friends sparked laughter and joy during our last potluckβeveryone asked for seconds, and I left with an empty plate and a heart full of happiness.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in Strawberry Lemonade Cake?
Yes, try blueberries or raspberries for delicious variations in flavor and color.
How do I make the cake gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What should I do if my cake layers sink?
Check your baking powderβs freshness and avoid opening the oven door too early during baking.

Strawberry Lemonade Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing taste of Strawberry Lemonade Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet strawberries and tangy lemon. This vibrant, visually stunning cake is an essential centerpiece for any summer gathering or celebration. Bursting with flavor and served with a luscious whipped cream frosting, each bite transports you to sunny picnics filled with laughter and joy. Easy to make yet impressive, this cake will become your go-to recipe for all occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Β½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Β½ tsp salt
- Β½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon zest and juice.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in mashed strawberries.
- Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; frost cooled cakes generously.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor variation, swap fresh strawberries for blueberries or raspberries. To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.