There’s something undeniably delightful about a Strawberry Lemonade Cake. Imagine biting into a moist, fluffy slice where the sweetness of strawberries meets the refreshing tartness of lemonade. Each mouthful is like a summer day captured in dessert form, and trust me, it’s as tasty as it sounds.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- How long does the Strawberry Lemonade Cake stay fresh?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made this cake. It was during a family barbecue, and I thought, “Why not bring something that screams summer?” Little did I know, this cake would steal the show and my heart! It’s perfect for picnics, birthday parties, or just when you need a little sunshine on your plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels
- The vibrant colors and fresh flavors create an enticing visual appeal that brightens up any gathering
- Its versatility allows you to serve it at any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant celebrations
- Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds!
I once served this cake at a friend’s birthday party, and you should have seen their face light up with joy. They couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use good-quality flour for the best texture; sifted works wonders for fluffiness.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps balance the tartness of the lemon juice beautifully.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for that perfect rise; check expiration dates!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a fluffy batter; they mix in more easily.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest provide bright flavor; bottled won’t cut it here!
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for sweetness; purée some for added flavor in frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: This creates a smooth frosting texture that’s easy to spread.
- Milk: It helps achieve the right consistency in both cake batter and frosting; choose whole milk for creaminess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of all ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes—don’t rush this step!
Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then mix in lemon juice and zest to add that zesty kick we crave.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture while alternating with milk until just combined. Fold gently to keep that airy texture intact.
Add Strawberries: Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries into the batter until evenly distributed. Their sweetness will shine throughout your cake!
After following these simple steps, you’re only moments away from enjoying this delightful dessert!
Now go ahead and bake those cakes for approximately 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and spring back when touched lightly—a sure sign they’re done!
Once cooled completely on wire racks, frost them with creamy strawberry lemonade frosting made from powdered sugar mixed with strawberry purée and lemon juice!
Your Strawberry Lemonade Cake is ready to impress everyone around you! Enjoy every slice as laughter fills the air during those precious gatherings.
You Must Know
- Strawberry Lemonade Cake is a delightful balance of sweet and tart
- The fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor, while the lemonade gives it a refreshing zing
- Be sure to use ripe strawberries for the best taste and color
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake layers while preparing the strawberry puree. This saves time and ensures everything is ready together for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lemon for lime for a zesty twist or add a layer of whipped cream between cake layers for extra creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a fluffy texture
- For maximum flavor, let the cake cool completely before frosting it
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch that impresses guests
Sometimes, when I bake this cake, I can’t help but reminisce about summer picnics where everyone devoured it within minutes, leaving only crumbs behind.
FAQ
What can I use instead of fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can work, but thaw and drain them well before use.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend to achieve similar results without gluten.
How long does the Strawberry Lemonade Cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, it lasts up to five days, maintaining its deliciousness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Strawberry Lemonade Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of Strawberry Lemonade Cake, where sweet strawberries and zesty lemonade unite for a delightful dessert. This moist, fluffy cake is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to birthday celebrations. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s bound to steal the spotlight at your next gathering!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups powdered sugar, mixed with strawberry purée and lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice and zest.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the creamed mixture while alternating with milk; fold in chopped strawberries.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Cool completely before frosting with a mixture of powdered sugar and strawberry purée.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
