Delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Welcome to a slice of sunshine on a plate with this delightful Strawberry Lemonade Cake recipe! This stunning dessert blends the zesty freshness of lemon with the sweet juiciness of strawberries to create a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any special occasion. The tangy lemon cake layers, paired with a luscious strawberry filling and creamy frostings, make this cake a showstopper that will leave your guests begging for more.

I first crafted this Strawberry Lemonade Cake for my daughter’s spring birthday bash, and it quickly became a household favorite. The vibrant pink and yellow hues never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face, and the taste is nothing short of spectacular. The real hero of this cake is the dreamy lemon mascarpone chantilly filling – a heavenly blend of creamy mascarpone cheese and zesty lemon that adds a perfect balance to the sweet strawberry elements. Trust me, you’ll be fighting for the last bit of this delectable filling!

To take this cake from homemade to bakery-worthy, don’t skip the white chocolate lemon drip. Mastering the right temperature for the white chocolate mixture is key to achieving those elegant drips that will elevate the look of your cake. With a bit of practice, you’ll have a stunning dessert that not only looks amazing but tastes even better as the flavors meld together over time. So, gather your ingredients, get ready to bake, and treat yourself to a slice of Strawberry Lemonade Cake heaven!

Quick Benefits

• Impressive Flavor Profile: The combination of tangy lemon cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy frostings creates a stunning and delicious dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen and meld together beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for special occasions.
• Professional Presentation: The white chocolate lemon drip adds a wow factor, elevating the cake’s appearance from homemade to professional-looking.
• Versatile Sizing: Easily adapt the recipe for different cake sizes while maintaining the delicious flavors and textures.

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

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy lemon cake, sweet strawberry filling, and creamy frostings creates a spectacular flavor profile that will impress everyone at your table.
• Beautiful Presentation: The stunning pink and yellow colors of the cake always brighten the table, making it a showstopper for any special occasion.
• Family Favorite: This cake quickly became a requested celebration dessert after impressing guests at a spring birthday party. It’s homemade but looks and tastes like it was made by a professional.
• Lemon Mascarpone Chantilly: The light, creamy texture of the lemon mascarpone chantilly perfectly complements the bright lemon flavor, adding a delicious contrast to the sweet strawberry components.
• Wow Factor: The white chocolate lemon drip adds a professional touch to the cake, taking it to the next level visually and taste-wise.
• Make-Ahead: The cake becomes more flavorful as the components meld together, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare parts of the cake in advance, from baking the layers to making the strawberry compote.
• Adaptable: Easily adapt the recipe for different cake sizes, whether you need to serve 8-10 people, a larger 8-inch cake, or a 9-inch cake. The recipe provides clear instructions for adjusting quantities.
• Tips for Success: The recipe provides helpful tips to ensure success, such as not overmixing the batter, preventing leakage of the compote during assembly, and achieving the perfect texture through proper chilling and softening techniques.

Ingredients for Delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Lemon Cake

• Juice of 1/2 lemon and zest
• 260 g all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 10 g cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 3 medium eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp fine salt
• 150 g unsalted butter, softened
• 210 ml buttermilk
• 280 g powdered sugar

Strawberry Filling

• Homemade strawberry compote

Strawberry Swiss Buttercream

• Homemade Strawberry Swiss Buttercream

Lemon Mascarpone Chantilly

• Lemon Mascarpone Frosting (homemade)

Lemon White Chocolate Drip

• 2 tsp lemon curd
• 50 g heavy cream
• Yellow food coloring
• 50 g white chocolate

How to Make Delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Lemon Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F) and line three 15 cm (6 inch) cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter, powdered sugar, and lemon zest.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beat until smooth.
5. Alternate adding buttermilk with lemon juice and dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.

Step 2: Bake Lemon Sponge

Pour the batter into the cake pans, ensuring they are evenly filled. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Strawberry Filling

Make a homemade strawberry compote and allow it to cool fully.

Step 4: Make Swiss Buttercream

Make a batch of Strawberry Swiss Buttercream following the recipe instructions.

Step 5: Prepare Mascarpone Chantilly

Prepare a homemade Lemon Mascarpone Chantilly.

Step 6: Level and Assemble Layers

If needed, trim the tops of the cooled cakes. Set one cake layer on a turntable, pipe a buttercream border, and fill with strawberry compote and lemon mascarpone chantilly. Repeat with the other layers.

Step 7: Apply Crumb Coat

Spread a thin layer of strawberry buttercream on the cake, using an offset spatula to smooth it out. Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Final Frosting and Smoothing

Spread a generous layer of buttercream onto the cake and use icing tools to achieve a smooth finish. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before continuing.

Step 9: Make Lemon White Chocolate Drip

In a double boiler, melt white chocolate with heavy cream until smooth. Stir in lemon curd and yellow food coloring. Allow the glaze to cool to 30°C (86°F).

Step 10: Decorate and Finish Cake

Drizzle the cooled glaze over the chilled cake, allowing it to run down the sides. Top with strawberry buttercream piping and lemon slices. Let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

Once your Strawberry Lemonade Cake is assembled, there are a few storage options to consider based on your needs. If you plan to enjoy the cake within a few days, you can wrap it securely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This will help preserve the freshness of the cake while maintaining its flavors. Alternatively, if you want to save the cake for a future occasion, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to add the glaze and decorations right before serving to maintain their freshness and appearance.

To store the cake properly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any air exposure that can dry out the cake. You can also place the wrapped cake in an airtight container for added protection. When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This will ensure that the cake retains its moisture and flavors while being ready to enjoy at the desired time. Remember to let the cake sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cutting and serving to allow the buttercream to soften for easier slicing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it with a mixture of semi-skimmed milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Alternatively, you can use a combination of milk and plain yogurt for a similar tangy flavor and moisture content in the cake batter.

If you prefer a different frosting option, you can swap the lemon mascarpone frosting for a different flavor, such as a traditional cream cheese frosting or a plain vanilla buttercream. This customization allows you to tailor the cake to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions while still maintaining a delicious dessert experience.

For a make-ahead option, you can wrap the fully assembled cake and refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, add the glaze and decorations shortly before serving to maintain the cake’s freshness and presentation. This flexibility allows you to prepare the dessert in advance for special occasions or gatherings without sacrificing taste or quality.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider garnishing each slice of this luscious Strawberry Lemonade Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few sliced strawberries. The addition of these fresh elements will enhance the flavors of the cake and provide a delightful contrast in textures. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest on top for a pop of color and an extra burst of citrusy aroma.

To elevate the presentation of this already stunning cake, serve it on a beautiful cake stand adorned with edible flowers like pansies or rose petals. The vibrant colors of the flowers will complement the pink and yellow hues of the cake, creating a visually appealing dessert that will surely impress your guests. Additionally, consider serving each slice with a drizzle of homemade strawberry coulis for an added touch of elegance and a burst of fruity flavor.

FAQs for Delicious Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made in advance. You can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead, make the strawberry compote up to a week ahead, and assemble the cake and frostings a day before serving. The flavors meld together better with time, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of semi-skimmed milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, or a combination of milk and plain yogurt. This substitute will still provide the necessary acidity and moisture for the cake.

How should I store this cake?

You can wrap and refrigerate the assembled cake for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Add the glaze and decorations just before serving to maintain the freshness and integrity of the cake.

How should I achieve a smooth finish when frosting the cake?

To achieve a smooth finish when frosting the cake, start by spreading a crumb coat, chilling the cake, and then applying a thicker layer of buttercream. Use an offset spatula and icing smoother for a clean finish, and consider using the acrylic plate method for precision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Strawberry Lemonade Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a labor of love that brings joy and celebration to any occasion. The vibrant colors and harmonious flavors make it a showstopper on any dessert table, eliciting compliments and smiles from all who indulge.

Remember, baking is an art that takes practice and patience, but the rewards are always worth it. So don’t be afraid to dive into this Strawberry Lemonade Cake recipe, experiment with flavors, and make it your own. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress and delight. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of strawberries and lemons as you create your own masterpiece of a Strawberry Lemonade Cake!