Strawberry-Lemonade Layer Cake

There’s something undeniably joyful about a Strawberry-Lemonade Layer Cake. It’s like the perfect sunny day in dessert form—bright, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious. Picture this: light, fluffy lemon cake layers filled with sweet, tart strawberry jam and topped with a silky, tangy frosting that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s the kind of cake that makes everyone smile, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer BBQ, or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to be the showstopper. Trust me, once you’ve had a slice, you’ll be hooked. Let’s dive into this zesty and fruity masterpiece together!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry-Lemonade Layer Cake

This cake is all about layers—both literally and figuratively. From the moist, zesty cake to the juicy strawberry filling and creamy lemonade frosting, each layer brings its own delightful flavor and texture. Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating) it:

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart:

The combination of fresh strawberries and tangy lemonade is a dream come true. The sweetness of the cake pairs perfectly with the zing of the lemon and the juicy burst of strawberries. It’s a refreshing twist on the traditional cake that’s perfect for any season!

Showstopper Look:

With its vibrant pink frosting, contrasting lemony cake layers, and fresh strawberry garnish, this cake is stunning. It looks like you spent hours perfecting it, but in reality, it’s surprisingly easy to put together.

Versatile and Customizable:

While this recipe features strawberry and lemonade, you can easily swap out the fruit to fit your personal taste. Try raspberries, blueberries, or even a little peach for a fun twist on this classic.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Everyone loves a good layered cake, especially when it’s as flavorful and refreshing as this one. Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make-Ahead Friendly:

You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble and frost. This makes it a perfect option for parties or gatherings where you want to minimize your time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

This cake might look fancy, but the ingredients are simple and full of flavors you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s all about quality ingredients to bring out that fresh, zesty flavor.

Lemon Cake Layers:

The light and fluffy lemon cake is the heart of this treat. It’s tender, moist, and perfectly lemony.

All-Purpose Flour:

Flour provides the structure for the cake. It helps hold everything together and gives you that fluffy, airy texture.

Sugar:

Sugar is essential to sweeten the cake without overpowering the lemon flavor. It also helps create a moist cake.

Baking Powder:

Baking powder helps the cake rise, giving it that light, airy texture we all love in layer cakes.

Butter:

Butter is key in creating a rich, tender crumb. It also adds that lovely buttery flavor to the cake.

Eggs:

Eggs help bind everything together and provide structure to the cake, ensuring it holds its shape once baked.

Lemon Zest:

Lemon zest brings out that bright citrusy flavor, which is the perfect complement to the fresh strawberry filling and tangy frosting.

Buttermilk:

Buttermilk adds moisture to the cake and gives it that slightly tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness.

Vanilla Extract:

A dash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor of the cake, making it warm and aromatic.

Strawberry Jam or Fresh Strawberries:

The sweet and tart strawberry layer is the secret weapon here. Whether you use jam or fresh strawberries, this will add that juicy burst of flavor between the cake layers.

Lemonade Frosting:

The creamy, tangy frosting ties everything together and adds a fresh, citrusy kick.

Powdered Sugar:

Powdered sugar is the base of the frosting, giving it that smooth, creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading.

Cream Cheese:

Cream cheese adds richness and tanginess to the frosting, making it silky smooth and just the right level of sweetness.

Butter:

Butter helps achieve that luscious, silky texture in the frosting while adding richness.

Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is essential for that zesty, lemonade flavor. It brings all the ingredients in the frosting together and balances the sweetness of the cake.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making a multi-layer cake might seem intimidating, but I promise you—it’s way easier than it looks! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this stunning Strawberry-Lemonade Layer Cake.

Preheat the Oven:

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). That way, it’s nice and hot when your cake goes in.

Prepare Your Cake Pans:

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This ensures that your cake comes out easily without any sticking. We want it to be perfect, after all!

Make the Lemon Cake:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest—this is where the magic happens!

Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder) and the wet ingredients (buttermilk) to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cake light and tender.

Bake the Cake Layers:

Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Lemonade Frosting:

While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to whip up that luscious frosting. Beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and beat until fluffy. Add the lemon juice and beat until combined. If you want a firmer frosting, you can add a little more powdered sugar to get the consistency just right.

Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of strawberry jam (or fresh strawberry slices) over the top. Add a nice thick layer of frosting over the jam, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.

Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down to secure it. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the lemonade frosting. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rustic is charming too!

Garnish:

Top the cake with fresh strawberries for that final touch of color and sweetness. You can even drizzle a little extra strawberry jam on top for a glossy finish.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice into this beauty and enjoy! The lemony cake, the sweet strawberry filling, and that creamy, tangy frosting all come together in a way that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Strawberry-Lemonade Layer Cake

This cake is a treat on its own, but if you want to get a little extra fancy, here are a few ideas:

Fresh Whipped Cream:

Serve with a side of freshly whipped cream for a light, airy addition that pairs beautifully with the tangy cake.

Lemon Sorbet:

For a refreshing twist, pair this cake with a scoop of lemon sorbet. It’s like having a cool, citrusy palate cleanser alongside the rich, buttery cake.

Iced Tea or Lemonade:

What better to accompany a strawberry-lemonade cake than a glass of iced tea or fresh lemonade? The citrus notes will echo those in the cake and make for a perfect pairing.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

You can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just frost and assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

Storage:

Leftovers (if you have any) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cake also tastes great cold!

Frosting Consistency:

If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar until you get the desired thickness. If it’s too thick, add a bit more lemon juice or milk to thin it out.

Customizations:

Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add a layer of fresh strawberries or even a bit of lemon curd for extra zest.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the strawberries before using them to avoid excess liquid in the cake.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! Just swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It should work beautifully!

Q3: How do I prevent the cake layers from sinking?

A3: Make sure to properly measure your ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to deflate during baking.

Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A4: Yes! Bake the cake layers ahead of time, and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble and frost.

Q5: How should I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftover cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly so it stays fresh!

Q6: Can I use regular cream cheese for the frosting?

A6: Yes, regular cream cheese works perfectly for the frosting! Just be sure to

soften it before using.

Q7: Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade in the frosting?

A7: Yes, fresh lemon juice works great! The lemonade just gives it a little extra flavor, but fresh lemon juice will still deliver that tangy kick.

Q8: How can I make the frosting extra smooth?

A8: If your frosting is a bit lumpy, you can give it a quick spin in a food processor to smooth it out before frosting the cake.

Q9: Can I decorate this cake with something else besides strawberries?

A9: Yes! You could use other fresh berries, edible flowers, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.

Q10: How do I keep the cake layers from getting too dry?

A10: Be sure to check the cake layers early—once a toothpick inserted comes out clean, take them out of the oven. Overbaking will lead to dryness.

Conclusion

This Strawberry-Lemonade Layer Cake is an absolute winner. It’s vibrant, fresh, and a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for any celebration—or even just a special treat for yourself. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer gathering or as a birthday cake, it’s sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more. Happy baking, and enjoy every zesty, fruity bite!

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