Luscious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Welcome to a slice of summer bliss with this delightful Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake! This recipe is a celebration of sunny days and fruity flavors, where luscious strawberry cake meets zesty lemon cream cheese frosting in perfect harmony. Each bite is a burst of sweet and tangy goodness that will transport you to a picnic in the sunshine.

Crafted with layers of love and bursting with fresh strawberry puree, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion, from birthdays to graduation parties. The secret to its moist and flavorful crumb lies in a hint of lemon syrup that elevates the citrus notes to perfection. As the layers come together, adorned with fresh strawberries and lemon wedges, you’ll see why this cake has stolen the spotlight at my family gatherings.

Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or simply craving a taste of summer, this Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to experience the magic of strawberries and lemons dancing in every heavenly bite. Let’s bake up some sunshine!

Quick Benefits

• Refreshing and Indulgent: Combines sweet strawberry cake with bright lemon cream cheese frosting that tastes like sunshine, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent.
• Moist and Bursting with Flavor: The optional lemon syrup keeps the cake incredibly moist, while fresh strawberries nestled between each layer add bursts of fruity flavor.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to create different flavor variations like raspberry lemonade, blueberry lemon, or tropical mango passion fruit. Perfect for different seasons and occasions.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly: Can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, with the option to freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to two months, making it a convenient make-ahead option for celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Luscious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe Recipe

• Refreshing Flavor Combination: The sweet strawberry cake paired with the bright lemon cream cheese frosting creates a perfect harmony of flavors that are both refreshing and indulgent.
• Moisture Boost: The optional lemon syrup adds moisture to the cake while intensifying the citrus notes, making each bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Versatile Recipe: Easily customize this cake by swapping out strawberry for raspberry, blueberry, mango, or cranberry to suit different preferences and occasions.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a graduation party, birthday, shower, or summer gathering, this cake is a showstopper that will impress guests and make any celebration special.
• Pro Tips for Success: Learn from the mistakes of using cold ingredients and ensure room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, evenly textured cake that rises beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, with the option to freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to two months for easy prep ahead of time.
• Signature Dessert: This cake has become a go-to dessert for spring and summer celebrations due to its impressive presentation and flavors that capture the essence of the season, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for Luscious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Strawberry Cake Layers

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 3 cups cake flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pink food coloring gel (optional)
• 1 cup strawberry puree
• 2 teaspoons strawberry extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Lemon Simple Syrup

• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 7½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1½ teaspoons lemon extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Assembly and Decoration

• 10 fresh strawberries, sliced
• Lemon wedges for decoration

How to Make Luscious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Make Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans, and line bottoms with parchment paper. Puree enough strawberries to yield 1 cup. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix oil, strawberry puree, and extract. Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding sugar and mixing for 2-3 minutes. Incorporate eggs one at a time. Alternate adding dry and wet mixtures, starting and finishing with flour.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly into three pans. Bake at 325°F for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in pans for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make Lemon Simple Syrup

In a saucepan, bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, then stir in lemon juice and zest. Let cool.

Step 4: Prepare Lemon Frosting

Cream softened butter until smooth. Mix in cream cheese until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, extract, and zest. Mix briefly until combined; avoid overmixing. Chill briefly to firm up if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate, brush with lemon syrup, spread frosting, and top with sliced strawberries. Repeat with the second layer. Add the top layer, brush with syrup, apply a thin crumb coat, and chill in the freezer for 10-15 minutes until firm.

Step 6: Decorate and Finish

Apply the last layer of frosting, decorate with piped shells or use a cake comb for texture, garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon wedges. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove from the refrigerator a couple of hours before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared this delightful Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake, it is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Due to the cream cheese frosting, the cake should be covered and kept in the refrigerator. You can store the finished cake in the refrigerator for up to five days, but it is recommended to consume it within the first three days for the best taste and texture.

If you have leftover unfrosted cake layers or want to prepare the cake in advance, you can wrap the unfrosted layers tightly and store them in the freezer for up to two months. This way, you can have freshly baked cake layers ready to assemble into a beautiful Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake whenever you need it. Just make sure to thaw the cake layers in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy the Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake at its best for several days or even have a convenient make-ahead option by freezing the unfrosted cake layers. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a delightful treat anytime, proper storage ensures that this delicious cake stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch up the flavors, consider making a raspberry lemonade version by swapping the strawberry puree for raspberry puree and incorporating fresh raspberries in between the cake layers. The lemon cream cheese frosting will still pair wonderfully with the raspberry flavors, providing a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.

For a blueberry twist, you can use blueberry puree and fresh blueberries in place of the strawberries. The lemon frosting will still bring a bright and zesty element to the cake, creating a delightful blueberry lemonade combination that’s perfect for those who love blueberries.

If you want to experiment with tropical flavors, try substituting the strawberry puree with mango puree and including passion fruit curd between the layers. The lemon cream cheese frosting will complement the tropical fruits beautifully, adding a refreshing and exotic touch to the cake. This variation is ideal for those looking for a taste of the tropics in their dessert.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, consider serving the Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake on a cake stand garnished with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wedges. To enhance the summer vibes, you could also decorate the cake with edible flowers or mint leaves. Another creative serving suggestion is to pair each slice of cake with a small scoop of lemon sorbet or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience even further.

To create a unique dessert spread, serve mini versions of the cake by using a cookie cutter to cut out individual rounds from the layers. Stack the mini rounds with layers of frosting in between for adorable and delicious bite-sized treats. You can also get creative with the presentation by serving the cake in mason jars or glass jars, creating individual cake parfaits by layering cake cubes with frosting and fresh strawberry slices for a fun and portable dessert option at gatherings or picnics.

FAQs for Luscious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Can I use frozen strawberries to make the strawberry puree for this cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make the puree. Make sure to thaw them completely before blending to achieve a smooth consistency.

Can I omit the lemon syrup if I prefer a less moist cake?

Yes, you can omit the lemon syrup if you prefer a less moist cake. The cake will still have a delicious flavor from the strawberry puree and lemon cream cheese frosting.

Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion?

Yes, you can make this cake in advance. Store the covered cake in the refrigerator for up to five days, with the best taste within the first three days. Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to two months.

Can I substitute the lemon extract with fresh lemon juice in the frosting?

Yes, you can substitute the lemon extract with fresh lemon juice in the frosting. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference for the desired level of lemon flavor.

Conclusion

As you embark on creating your own Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake, remember that baking is an art that can be tailored to your preferences and creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruit combinations or decorations to make this cake truly your own masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to bring joy and delight to those who taste it.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bask in the delicious aroma of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon as you bake your very own Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake. With each bite, savor the harmony of flavors that come together in this delightful dessert. Let this cake be a reminder that a little sweetness and a touch of tanginess can brighten any day. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy of sharing this scrumptious Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake with your loved ones. Happy baking!