Strawberry Lemon Cake

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion! Its vibrant flavors of fresh lemon and strawberries make it a delightful treat that shines in spring and summer. With its moist layers of lemon cake paired with rich strawberry buttercream, this cake will impress at birthdays, picnics, or family gatherings. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: The use of real strawberries and lemons ensures each bite is packed with natural flavor.
• Versatile Delight: Perfect for various occasions, from birthday parties to casual brunches.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this stunning cake.
• Elegant Presentation: The layered look and colorful frosting make it a show-stopper on any dessert table.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of sour cream and butter keeps the cake moist and adds depth to the flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, ensure you have the right tools ready. This will help you achieve the best results for your Strawberry Lemon Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pans (9-inch round)
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Essential for creating a light and fluffy batter by properly incorporating air into the mixture.
• Baking pans: Using the right size ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect layered effect.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to efficiently mix different ingredients without hassle.

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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: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your baking pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Mix until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate:
1. Sour cream
2. Vegetable oil
3. Lemon juice
4. Vanilla extract

Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until no dry spots remain.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

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

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

In a mixing bowl, cream together:
1. Room temperature butter
2. Powdered sugar

Once combined, add:
1. Freeze dried strawberry powder
2. Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth, adding milk as needed for consistency.

Step 9: Assemble Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top before placing the second layer on top.

Step 10: Decorate

Frost the top and sides of your cake with remaining strawberry buttercream. Decorate with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an elegant touch!

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Lemon Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Cake

Serving Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful experience that brings together the fresh flavors of strawberries and lemons. This cake is perfect for various occasions, and here are some creative ways to serve it:

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Serve slices alongside fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to enhance the fruity flavor and add color.

Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess that complements the cake’s texture.

Create a Stunning Dessert Platter

• Arrange slices of Strawberry Lemon Cake on a beautiful platter with lemon slices and mint leaves for an eye-catching presentation.

Serve with Lemon Sorbet

• Pairing this cake with lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast and enhances the lemon flavor.

Drizzle with Berry Sauce

• Drizzle homemade berry sauce over each slice for added sweetness and a burst of flavor.

How to Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Lemon Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and baking soda helps air incorporate into the mixture, leading to a lighter cake.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring tools for accuracy; too much flour can lead to a dense cake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean layers.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Keep leftovers wrapped or in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Lemon Cake

Strawberry Lemon Cake pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some ideal options:

1. Minted Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed with mint leaves adds brightness and balances sweetness.

2. Citrus Salad
   A salad featuring oranges, grapefruits, and lemon dressing enhances the citrus notes of the cake.

3. Lemon-Infused Iced Tea
   Cool iced tea brewed with fresh lemon slices offers a refreshing drink option alongside dessert.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Creamy vanilla ice cream is classic and provides a cool contrast to the zesty cake.

5. Coconut Macaroons
   Chewy coconut macaroons add texture and pair well with the fruity flavors of the cake.

6. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet treats create an elegant touch while enhancing the strawberry theme of your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Strawberry Lemon Cake, several common mistakes can impact the final result. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Incorrect ingredient measurements: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy. Miscalculating ingredients can lead to an undesired texture or flavor.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and not rise properly.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, airy texture.
• Not preheating the oven: Preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking. A cold oven can result in uneven baking and affect the cake’s rise.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cake layers to cool completely before frosting is crucial. Frosting a warm cake can make the icing melt and slide off.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Lemon Cake in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge without losing freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Strawberry Lemon Cake.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the frosting?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones. Just drain any excess liquid before using them in your frosting.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute lemon juice with vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor in your cake.

How do I make this Strawberry Lemon Cake more lemony?

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

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the layers ahead of time. Just frost it before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is both elegant and delightful, perfect for spring and summer occasions. Its refreshing flavors pair well with various fillings or toppings like whipped cream or additional fresh fruit. Don’t hesitate to customize it with different fruit purees or zests to make it your own!