Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake

This Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake brings together bright citrus and luscious berries in a stunning dessert that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings. With three layers of moist, zesty lemon cake and a naturally flavored strawberry buttercream made with freeze-dried strawberries, every bite is both refreshing and indulgent.

It’s a true showstopper for birthdays, brunches, or bridal showers, offering bold color and vibrant flavor in one beautifully frosted package. The balance between the tart lemon and the sweet strawberries makes it feel light yet decadent. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just trying something new, this cake will be your new seasonal favorite.

Full Recipe:

For the Lemon Cake Layers:

340g all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
¾ tsp baking powder

¾ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
300g granulated sugar

Zest of 1 large lemon (or 2 small lemons)
180g unsalted butter, room temperature
4 large eggs, room temperature

240g sour cream, room temperature
60g vegetable oil (e.g., canola)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

400g unsalted butter, room temperature
660g powdered sugar
2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder

2 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp whole milk, room temperature

Decoration:

Fresh strawberries
Lemon slices

Directions:

Preheat oven to 170ºC/340ºF. Line three 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans with parchment paper.

Dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Flavor the sugar: In a large bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Rub together until it resembles wet sand.
Cream butter: Add butter to the sugar mixture and beat on high speed for 3 minutes.

Add eggs: Incorporate eggs two at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine ingredients: Add half the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add sour cream, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, then add the remaining dry ingredients. Gently fold to ensure full incorporation.
Bake: Divide batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 20–23 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Make the buttercream: Sift powdered sugar and strawberry powder together. Beat butter for 4 minutes, scrape down sides, then beat for another 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar mix, vanilla, and milk in two additions, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving dish. Add buttercream and spread evenly. Repeat with the second and third layers. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes. Frost with remaining buttercream. Optionally create a wavy texture. Decorate with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.

Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cooking Time: 23 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Kcal: 883 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Introduction to Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake

The Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer in every bite. With its delicate lemon flavor and sweet strawberry buttercream, this cake is a delightful combination of tart and sweet. It’s a visually stunning dessert, perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or garden parties. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this cake is relatively easy to make, and the results are sure to impress everyone at the table.

This cake offers the perfect balance of flavors. The lemon provides a light, zesty freshness, while the strawberry buttercream adds a rich sweetness, making it a wonderful choice for those who love fruity desserts. The combination of these two flavors not only makes it delicious but also incredibly eye-catching. The addition of freeze-dried strawberries in the buttercream enhances the flavor, giving it a natural sweetness and a beautiful pink color that contrasts perfectly with the lemon cake layers.

The Unique Flavor Profile

What sets this Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake apart from other fruit-infused cakes is the remarkable balance between the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the strawberry. The lemon cake is moist, soft, and infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest, which delivers a bright citrusy note without being overpowering. The zest, in particular, helps intensify the lemon flavor, creating a cake that’s light and aromatic.

The strawberry buttercream is the star of the show, though. Made with freeze-dried strawberry powder, the buttercream is smooth, creamy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries. The freeze-dried strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also provide a stunning pink hue, making the cake visually striking. Together, these flavors create a dessert that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Perfect for Spring and Summer Occasions

The Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake is ideal for spring and summer gatherings. Its light, refreshing flavors make it the perfect choice for a warm-weather celebration. Imagine serving this cake at a garden party, baby shower, or a birthday celebration. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors are a natural fit for outdoor events and casual get-togethers. The combination of lemon and strawberry evokes feelings of sunshine, making it a cake that’s synonymous with joy and celebration.

Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a more formal event, this cake fits perfectly into any occasion. Its impressive appearance and delicious taste are sure to be the highlight of the day. Because it’s made with simple ingredients, it can also be easily customized to suit dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free flour or non-dairy butter for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Baking Tips for Success

Baking the perfect Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake requires attention to detail, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a flawless cake every time. Here are a few tips to ensure your cake turns out just right:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and sour cream. This ensures that the ingredients blend together smoothly, creating a light and airy batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined, and then fold the batter gently with a spatula to incorporate any remaining flour at the bottom of the bowl.
Use a Cake Tester: To ensure your cakes are perfectly baked, use a cake tester or a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Let the Cake Layers Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. If the layers are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt, resulting in a messy finish.
Crumb Coat: Before applying the final layer of frosting, it’s a good idea to apply a thin “crumb coat” layer of buttercream to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for about 20 minutes to set this first layer, and then add the remaining frosting.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake

This cake can be served in a variety of ways to enhance your dining experience. If you’re planning to serve it for a celebration, consider adding some fresh fruit garnishes, such as extra strawberries or lemon slices, for a refreshing touch. The visual appeal of the cake is heightened when you place a few strawberries and lemon slices on top or even decorate the cake with edible flowers for an elegant look.

For a casual serving option, pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the light cake, sweet buttercream, and cold ice cream creates a delicious contrast that’s perfect for warm summer nights. For a more formal setting, serve slices of the cake on fine china with a glass of champagne or a chilled glass of iced tea.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about the Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake is its versatility. There are several ways to customize the cake to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions:

Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the consistency of the batter before baking, as gluten-free flours can sometimes be a bit more delicate.

Dairy-Free Alternative: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and the sour cream with non-dairy yogurt or coconut milk yogurt. This will allow those with dairy sensitivities to enjoy this cake without any issues.
Add More Fruits: While this cake features strawberries, you can experiment with other fruits as well. Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches can be added to the cake batter or used as garnish for a new twist.
Layer Variations: If you prefer a more complex flavor, you can add a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers to intensify the lemon flavor. This will provide a tangy burst of citrus with every bite.

Storage and Shelf Life

The Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When ready to serve, let the cake come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure the buttercream stays smooth and creamy.

If you want to make this cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. Thaw them at room temperature before assembling the cake.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that will brighten up any occasion. Its fresh and vibrant flavor profile, combined with the soft, moist texture of the cake and the creamy, tangy buttercream, makes it an unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a delicious homemade cake, this dessert is sure to please.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this cake is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers. So why not give it a try and bring a little bit of sunshine to your next gathering with this delightful Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake?