Why You’ll Love this Strawberry Lemonade Cake
This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweet taste of strawberries with the zesty flavor of lemons. The cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with fruity goodness. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or any celebration, this cake will surely impress your guests. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a standout dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can whip it up in no time!
What You’ll Need for Strawberry Lemonade Cake
To create this delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to make a moist and flavorful cake.
Complete Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
If you have dietary restrictions, there are several substitutions you can make. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can also replace the butter with coconut oil. If you want to make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. For a twist, try adding a splash of lemon extract or a handful of chopped nuts for added texture!
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Making this Strawberry Lemonade Cake is simple and fun! Follow these steps to create a delicious dessert that everyone will adore.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch sheet cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Finally, fold in the sliced strawberries.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared sheet cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Lemon Glaze:
For extra flavor, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Once your Strawberry Lemonade Cake is cool, it’s time to serve it up!
How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cake
For the best presentation, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Cut the cake into squares and serve on a decorative plate. Garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon slices for a beautiful touch.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Storing & Preserving Strawberry Lemonade Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it properly.
Best Storage Methods
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cake Every Time
Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Helpful Tricks for Success
For a lighter cake, sift the flour before measuring. Also, using fresh strawberries will enhance the flavor. If you want a stronger lemon taste, add a bit more lemon zest!
Fun Variations of Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Get creative with your Strawberry Lemonade Cake!
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Try adding different fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry cake. You can also incorporate lemon curd between the layers for an extra zing!
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
To make this cake vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
FAQs
What If My Strawberry Lemonade Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your cake is too dense, it may have been overmixed. If it’s dry, it could have been overbaked. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
You can swap milk for buttermilk or yogurt. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or coconut milk instead.
Print
Strawberry Lemonade Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cake that combines the sweet taste of strawberries with the zesty flavor of lemons, perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch sheet cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time.
- Add the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients and fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For extra flavor, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use almond or coconut milk and replace butter with coconut oil.
- For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- To enhance flavor, add more lemon zest or try different fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Strawberry Lemonade Cake, Summer Dessert, Fruity Cake, Easy Cake Recipe