Strawberry Lemon Cake

Jump to Recipe

Hey there, dessert lovers! If you’re searching for the perfect way to add a splash of sunshine to your day, look no further than this delightful Strawberry Lemon Cake! Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it’s also incredibly simple to whip up—ideal for those busy afternoons when you want to impress without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemon Cake

Imagine a moist, fluffy cake infused with the zing of fresh lemons and studded with sweet, juicy strawberries. This cake is like a little slice of summer any time of year, and it’s perfect for everything from baby showers to potlucks or just a cozy afternoon treat at home. Why not take a break from the whirlwind of life and savor every delightful bite? Trust me—this Strawberry Lemon Cake will have everyone smiling at the table, and you might find it’s the go-to dessert everyone requests!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you need to make this scrumptious Strawberry Lemon Cake:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
½ cup milk (whole or buttermilk is best)
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Zest of 2 lemons
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries

For the Lemon Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Steps to Create Your Cake Masterpiece

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly. (Trust me, we want this cake to slide right out!)
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures our cake will rise beautifully.
Cream It Up: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. (This could take about 5-7 minutes—cue the dance party!)
Add the Eggs and Zest: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the lemon zest and vanilla extract. You want this to be creamy and dreamy!
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour—this is the pro tip for getting that perfect crumb!
Toss in the Berries: Finally, gently fold in the chopped strawberries. (Pro tip: Make sure they’re coated in a little flour to prevent them from sinking during baking!)
Bake It Up: Pour your cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Your kitchen should smell like a magical bakery at this point—feel free to invite the neighbors!)
Prepare the Lemon Glaze: While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough lemon juice to reach your desired glaze consistency.
Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before drizzling the lemon glaze over the top as a finishing touch.

Cooking Tips for Success

Fresh Berries are Best: Stick to fresh strawberries for that natural sweetness—we all know frozen berries can be a little sad!
Make It Ahead: This cake stores well and can be made a day ahead. Just keep it covered to maintain its moisture.
Embrace the Zest: Don’t skimp on the lemon zest; it really elevates the flavor and gives that zesty punch we all crave!

Personal Anecdote (Because We Love Them)

Honestly, this Strawberry Lemon Cake became my go-to dessert when I hosted my book club last summer. My friends devoured it in minutes, and one even declared it “the best cake she’s ever tasted!” A little flattery goes a long way, and who doesn’t appreciate being crowned a baking queen for a day?

FAQs

Can I substitute the strawberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberries or blueberries work wonderfully as substitutes, giving you the same make-your-mouth-water flavor.

How do I store leftovers?
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you can’t finish it, freeze slices for an emergency dessert stash!

What if I don’t have lemons?
Lime juice and zest will do the trick too! Just remember, you’re switching one citrus superstar for another.

This Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful way to uplift your spirits and sweeten your gatherings. Easy to make and filled with fresh flavors, it’s a delicious reminder that life is too short for boring desserts. So grab your apron, channel your inner baker, and treat yourself to this sunny delight today!

For more scrumptious recipes that embrace flavor and love, check out my

Cinnamon Apple Cake

Lemon Cream