Strawberry Lemonade Sunshine Cake a Burst of Summer in Every Bite
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? This strawberry lemonade cake is like summer in every bite. Honestly, does it get any better than a lemon cake with strawberry frosting?
Brief Overview
This lemon strawberry cake recipe takes inspiration from classic American lemonade stands. It's a medium difficulty bake, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes prep and cook time, plus extra for cooling and frosting.
One cake serves 10-12, perfect for a summer cake birthday celebration or just a cheeky Sunday tea.
Main Benefits
Beyond its delish factor, this refreshing cake recipe offers a little mood boost. Lemon and strawberries are packed with Vitamin C.
Serve this beauty at your next picnic, or whenever you need a strawberry lemonade dessert fix. What makes it extra special? That tangy lemonade syrup soaking into the moist cake.
Let's talk Ingredients for this Dreamy Bake
Time to gather our bits! I swear, cake recipes for decorating are my happy place. But first, the cake itself needs some love.
We will need flour, butter, eggs, and all the usual suspects. Buttermilk keeps it extra moist! Don’t forget fresh lemons for zest and juice.
That lemonade syrup needs to happen, trust me.
For the strawberry buttercream cake , we are going all in with softened butter and sifted powdered sugar. This makes it smooth. Then we add strawberry puree, and a dash of vanilla.
Don't skip the salt!. If it's too thick, a splash of milk does the trick.
Equip Yourself for Success
You'll need two 9 inch round cake pans. Parchment paper is a lifesaver. Grab your electric mixer. A rubber spatula is your best friend for scraping the bowl.
And, of course, a wire rack is essential for cooling. An offset spatula makes frosting a breeze. Piping bags and tips? Totally optional, but who doesn't love a bit of fancy decorating?
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about what you need to make this Strawberry Lemonade Sunshine Cake .
Honestly, it's easier than wrestling a badger, I promise. We're aiming for a Lemon cake with strawberry frosting that's got everyone saying, "Oh my gosh, that's champion!".
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for a Perfect Cake
This ain't your nan's boring list, mind you. It's broken down so you know exactly what you're doing at each stage.
Think of it as your treasure map to baking gold! It all starts with the Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake , we're not just baking here, we're creating a masterpiece!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here’s what you need, precisely. Remember, measurements matter.
For the Lemon Cake:
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups ( 300g )
- Baking powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup ( 2 sticks or 227g ), softened - This MUST be soft! Not melted, soft.
- Granulated sugar: 1 3/4 cups ( 350g )
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Buttermilk: 1 cup ( 240ml )
- Lemon zest: Zest of 2 lemons
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup ( 60ml )
For the Lemonade Syrup:
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/2 cup ( 120ml )
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup ( 100g )
- Water: 1/2 cup ( 120ml )
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup ( 2 sticks or 227g ), softened
- Powdered sugar: 4 cups ( 480g ), sifted - Sifting is key!
- Strawberry puree: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) - Use fresh or frozen, but make sure it's good stuff!
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: Pinch
- Milk or cream: 1-2 tablespoons (optional, for thinning)
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
- Lemon Zest & Juice Combo: This is your base! Don't skimp. Fresh is always best.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth. Don't use cheap stuff.
- Strawberry Puree: Use the best strawberries you can get your hands on for that refreshing cake recipes . Frozen works in a pinch, just thaw 'em first.
- Salt in Buttercream: It balances the sweetness. Essential, I tell you!
Flavour is key in this Strawberry lemonade dessert .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen.
- Two 9 inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (stand or hand held)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
- Small saucepan
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Optional: Piping bag and tips for decorating Cake Recipes For Decorating .
Don't have cake pans? Use oven safe dishes. No offset spatula? A butter knife will do. This Easy summer cake recipes should be accessible and fun.
We want those Strawberry Cake Ideas Birthdays looking fab!
I have experimented with this Lemon Strawberry Cake Recipe , and let me tell you, it brings me back to my childhood where Summer Cake Birthday meant Strawberry buttercream cake was just around the corner.
So there you have it. Get your bits and bobs ready and let's get baking. This Strawberry Lemonade Cake recipe is going to be a banger!
Baking Your Way to Sunshine: The Strawberry Lemonade Cake Recipe
Honestly, folks, are you craving a slice of sunshine? I know I always am! That's why I’m sharing my absolute favourite strawberry lemonade cake .
This isn't just a cake; it's a burst of summer, perfect for any occasion. And trust me, after one bite, you'll be hooked! This strawberry lemonade dessert is the real deal.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place is Key
First things first, let’s get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place. Measure out 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Soften 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter. Got it? Good! Having everything prepped not only saves time but keeps you organized.
Safety tip: always use oven mitts to avoid burns.
step-by-step: Sunshine Cake Simplicity
Here's how to create this lemon cake with strawberry frosting .
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour two 9 inch pans.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl. This ensures even baking.
- Cream 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter with 1 3/4 cups sugar until fluffy. The key to a tender crumb is right here!
- Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Alternate dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes , then invert onto a wire rack.
- While cooling, make lemonade syrup. Boil 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Poke holes in the cake and pour syrup over.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bake
You know, one thing I learned the hard way? Room temperature ingredients are essential . Cold butter? Forget about it! Also, don’t overmix the batter! You'll end up with a tough cake.
For a refreshing cake recipe , chill it before serving. This allows the frosting to set beautifully. This is one of the best cake recipes for decorating that I know!
Honestly, folks, this strawberry lemonade layer cake is a showstopper, perfect as summer cake birthday . It's packed full of strawberry cake ideas for birthdays , too!
Recipe Notes for Your Strawberry Lemonade Cake
Alright, before you dive headfirst into this scrummy Strawberry Lemonade Layer Cake , let's talk about a few things. These are the tips and tricks that'll take your cake from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!".
Consider them my little secrets for cake recipes for decorating success.
Serving Like a Pro: Plating & Pairing
Presentation is key, innit? Think about serving this Lemon Strawberry Cake Recipe on a cute cake stand. Garnish each slice with fresh strawberry cake ideas birthdays or a sprig of mint.
It just elevates the whole experience. For drinks, ice-cold lemonade is a no-brainer. But a sparkling rosé could also be the perfect match with the flavor profile for a fancy summer cake birthday treat.
Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh
This lemon cake with strawberry frosting is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still fantastic. Wrap the cake tightly in cling film and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
If you're thinking longer term, slice the cake, wrap individual slices, and freeze them. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating isn't really necessary (or recommended!), it tastes great cold or at room temp.
Remix Time: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a twist? For a dietary adaptation, try using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free Lemon Strawberry Cake . You can swap the strawberry puree in the frosting with raspberry puree for a raspberry lemonade dessert .
Or try lime instead of lemon for a easy summer cake recipes . So many options, eh?
Nutrition Nuggets: A Little Bit of Knowledge
Let's be real, this strawberry buttercream cake isn't exactly health food. But hey, a little bit of what you fancy does you good, right? Each slice contains around 450-550 calories.
It does offer vitamins from the strawberries and lemon juice. Think of it as a delicious treat that can be a refreshing cake recipes to your soul.
So there you have it. A few extra tips to ensure your Strawberry Lemonade cake is a showstopper. You got this! Bake on, my friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the strawberry lemonade cake ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked, cooled, and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. The strawberry buttercream can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Just bring it to room temperature and re-whip it before frosting the cake. This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is even better the next day once the Lemonade Syrup has time to soak in.
My strawberry lemonade cake batter looks a bit curdled. Is that normal? Am I going to end up with a soggy bottom?
A slightly curdled batter can happen, especially when using cold ingredients. Don't fret, as long as you haven't overmixed it! Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature before you start. If it looks really separated, add a tablespoon of the dry ingredients and gently fold it in.
This should help bring it back together. And don't worry, follow the recipe and you won't end up with a soggy bottom!
Can I substitute anything if I don't have buttermilk for this strawberry lemonade cake?
No worries if you're out of buttermilk! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes; it'll curdle slightly and be ready to use.
Just make sure it is properly mixed before adding it to the strawberry lemonade cake mixture.
What's the best way to store leftover strawberry lemonade cake? I'm not sure I can eat it all myself!
Storing the leftover cake is easy peasy! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent the cake from drying out, you can also place a piece of parchment paper over the cut edges.
Or, if you want to save it for longer, you can freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Can I make this strawberry lemonade cake gluten-free? My friend has celiac disease, but I'd love for her to try it!
Absolutely, you can adapt the recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, add about 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients, since gluten-free flours sometimes lack that binding quality.
Your friend will thank you for making a gluten-free version of this smashing Strawberry Lemonade Cake!
I want to make a smaller strawberry lemonade cake. Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely halve the recipe for a smaller cake! Just ensure you halve all the ingredients accurately. You'll also need to adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness about 5-10 minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests. Using smaller cake pans would also be beneficial!
Strawberry Lemonade Sunshine Cake A Burst Of Sum
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 4-6g |