Indulge in the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors with a delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cake recipe. This soft, moist, and buttery cake is a burst of lemon and strawberry notes in every bite, creating a refreshing and vibrant dessert experience. The luscious strawberry lemon buttercream and strawberry reduction between the layers elevate this cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.
With its eye-catching pink frosting and fresh strawberry toppings, this cake is sure to steal the spotlight at any summer gathering. The blend of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and zest in this recipe creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether for a spring picnic or a summer celebration, this Strawberry Lemonade Cake is a must-try for anyone looking to savor the essence of the season in a single slice.
Ingredients
Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Strawberry Lemonade Cake with this vibrant and refreshing recipe. Below are the essential ingredients needed to create this heavenly treat.
For the Strawberry Lemonade Cake
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 8-10 large strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Lemon Buttercream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- Juice and zest from one lemon (approximately 3 tablespoons juice)
- 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat is recommended)
- 1/4 cup (57g) lemon juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (6g) Lemon Extract (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 7 1/2 cups (863g) confectioners sugar, sifted then measured/weighed
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Confectioners sugar
- Finely chopped strawberries
Enjoy creating this divine Strawberry Lemonade Cake with Lemon Buttercream and a Strawberry Lemonade Drizzle, bringing the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors to your next gathering.
Equipment Needed
To create this delectable Strawberry Lemonade Cake recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- Three 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Cake stand or serving plate
- Offset spatula
Having these essential tools ready will ensure a smooth and efficient baking process as you prepare your Strawberry Lemonade Cake with Lemon Buttercream.
Preparation Steps
Making the Strawberry Puree
To make the strawberry puree, start by pureeing fresh or thawed strawberries in a blender or food processor until you have 1 cup of smooth puree. This puree will be the vibrant base flavor of our Strawberry Lemonade Cake.
Preparing Lemon Zest
For the lemon zest, finely grate the zest from half a lemon or more, depending on your preference. The lemon zest will add a bright and citrusy aroma to complement the strawberries in our cake beautifully.
Baking the Cake
Now that we’ve prepared our strawberry lemonade cake batter, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Follow these simple steps to ensure your cake turns out soft, moist, and bursting with lemon and strawberry flavors.
Mixing the Batter
- Creating the Batter: After combining the dry and wet ingredients in the mixer, mix the batter until smooth and well combined. The strawberries in the batter will add a refreshing twist to the cake.
- Dividing the Batter: Once the batter is ready, divide it evenly between the prepared cake pans. This will ensure that the cakes bake uniformly and rise beautifully.
Baking Time and Temperature
- Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect baking environment for your strawberry lemonade cake.
- Baking the Cake: Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Ensure to rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Checking Doneness: To test if the cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center of each cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cakes are ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the cakes moist and flavorful.
- Cooling the Cakes: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This process helps the cakes set and makes them easier to handle when assembling the final cake.
Creating the Lemon Buttercream
To create the perfect Lemon Buttercream for your Strawberry Lemonade Cake, follow these steps for a flavorful and luscious frosting.
Blending Ingredients
- In a small saucepan, combine fresh strawberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice.
- Simmer the mixture over medium-high heat until it thickens and becomes jammy.
- Transfer the strawberry mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until chilled.
- Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, strawberry puree, and strawberry extract.
- Gradually add the strawberry mixture to the creamed butter, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a delightful and aromatic Lemon Buttercream to complement your Strawberry Lemonade Cake perfectly.
Assembling the Cake
It’s time to bring the cake together in all its strawberry lemonade glory.
Layering the Cake and Buttercream
To start assembling the cake, take one of the cooled cake layers and place it in the center of your chosen platter. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry buttercream over the top of the cake layer, creating a smooth and even layer. Add a finishing touch by placing fresh strawberry slices over the frosting.
Repeat this process with the second cake layer, placing it carefully on top of the first layer with the buttercream. Spread more strawberry buttercream and add another layer of fresh strawberry slices.
Finally, gently place the third cake layer on top of the second one. Frost the top and sides of the cake with a thin layer of buttercream, known as the crumb coat. Don’t worry if there are a few crumbs in this layer; they will be covered later. Pop the cake in the freezer for about 30 minutes to let the crumb coat set.
Adding Strawberry Lemonade Drizzle
Once the crumb coat is firm, it’s time to apply the final layer of buttercream. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry buttercream over the top and sides of the cake, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating:
After enjoying a slice (or two) of this delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cake, it’s essential to store any leftovers correctly. Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The cake can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring you can savor it over multiple servings.
Freezing Tips:
If you want to save some Strawberry Lemonade Cake for a later treat, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Remember to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. The frozen cake can stay good for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw a slice in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours, and it will taste just as scrumptious as when freshly baked.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance the presentation of your strawberry lemonade cake with these serving suggestions and garnishing tips, making it an eye-catching and delectable treat.
Garnishing
Add a touch of elegance to your strawberry lemonade cake by garnishing it with fresh sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest. The vibrant colors and zesty aroma will elevate the visual appeal while complementing the flavors of the cake.
Pairing Ideas
For a delightful pairing, serve slices of the strawberry lemonade cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the toppings will balance the tangy and refreshing notes of the cake, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a tantalizing Strawberry Lemonade Cake recipe that promises a burst of flavors in every bite. With the perfect blend of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon, this cake is a must-try for any summer gathering. The buttery texture combined with the fresh ingredients creates a symphony of tastes that will leave your guests craving for more. From the strawberry lemon buttercream to the strawberry reduction layers, every element of this cake is designed to impress. Whether you’re serving it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, the harmony of flavors is sure to delight your taste buds. Remember to follow the storage tips to enjoy this delectable treat even days after baking. Get ready to savor the essence of summer with this Strawberry Lemonade Cake!