There’s something absolutely enchanting about a Strawberry Lemon Cake. Imagine biting into a slice, where the sweet strawberries dance with the tartness of fresh lemons, creating a flavor symphony that tickles your taste buds. The light, fluffy texture is akin to a cloud of sunshine on your plate, making every bite feel like an extravagant treat. cozy morning coffee cake As you dive into this delightful dessert, the aroma wafts through the air, promising an experience that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze.
This cake isn’t just any dessert; it holds a special place in my heart. I remember baking it for my best friend’s birthday last year. Her eyes lit up as she took her first bite, and the laughter we shared over that cake still warms my soul. Ideal for picnics, birthdays, or just because you want to show your taste buds some love, this Strawberry Lemon Cake will leave you craving more long after the last crumb has vanished. For more inspiration, check out this banana bread cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Lemon Cake is incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike
- The bright flavors create a refreshing taste sensation that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors and textures, it’s sure to impress at gatherings
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt for any occasion or dietary preference!
I once made this cake for a family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe strawberries that are bright red and fragrant; they’ll provide the best flavor.
- Lemons: Use fresh lemons for zest and juice; bottled lemon juice just won’t cut it.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works great here; it’s essential for achieving that light texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using organic sugar for a more natural flavor.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh so your cake rises perfectly without any flat surprises.
- Unsalted Butter: Always use room temperature butter; it helps create a smooth batter.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs bind everything together and add richness to the cake.
- Milk: Whole milk gives moisture; substitute almond milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Powdered Sugar: For frosting bliss! It creates a creamy texture that’s irresistible on top of the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors; skip imitation for this special cake!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust them lightly with flour.
Create the Batter Bliss: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Add Flavorful Zing!: Stir in freshly grated lemon zest and juice along with vanilla extract to incorporate that refreshing flavor into your batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until combined. fruit smoothie bowl Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while alternating with milk to keep things smooth.
Fold in Strawberries Like a Pro!: Gently fold in chopped strawberries using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout your luscious batter—this ensures every slice has berry goodness!
Bake Until Perfectly Golden Brown!: Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top—a toothpick inserted should come out clean!
Now that you have all these steps down pat, it’s time to indulge in this sweet adventure! Enjoy your Strawberry Lemon Cake creation as you share slices with friends or savor every bite alone (not judging!). classic chocolate chip cookies.
You Must Know
- Strawberry lemon cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate
- The sweet strawberries combined with zesty lemons create an explosion of flavors that dance in your mouth
- This cake is perfect for summer picnics, birthdays, or just because you deserve a treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the cake batter while the oven heats up for efficiency. Once mixed, pour it into your greased pan and bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for raspberries or blueberries if you want to mix it up. You can also add a dash of almond extract for a nutty flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry lemon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste. banana bread baked oats.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh strawberries for the best flavor; frozen ones can make the cake soggy
- Make sure to zest your lemons finely to avoid any bitter pieces in your cake
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding off
I’ll never forget the first time I made this strawberry lemon cake; my friends devoured it in minutes, leaving behind only crumbs and smiles. Their laughter filled my kitchen, proving that good food creates great memories.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best, you can use frozen ones if thawed and drained well.
How long does this cake last?
The strawberry lemon cake lasts about three days at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day before serving and store it covered until ready to frost.
Strawberry Lemon Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Strawberry Lemon Cake, where sweet strawberries meet zesty lemons in a light, fluffy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring a delightful experience for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a sunny picnic, this cake will leave you craving more with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 large lemons (zest and juice)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while alternating with milk.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with powdered sugar mixed with a splash of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For flavor variations, consider using raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries. Add a dash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.