When the weather starts to warm up, nothing says summer quite like a slice of Strawberry Lemonade Cake. This delightful dessert is a sweet embrace of seasonal fruit, bright citrus, and creamy frosting that’ll transport you directly to sun-soaked picnics and warm family gatherings. As the vibrant flavors meld together, it becomes an instant favorite, ideal for any celebration or simply a treat after a long week. The combination of strawberry puree and tangy lemon cream cheese frosting makes this cake exceptionally refreshing, whether for a birthday bash or a casual afternoon tea.
Why you’ll love this dish
When it comes to baking, this Strawberry Lemonade Cake has a bit of everything: it’s quick to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cake for a summer event or just want to indulge on a cozy weekend afternoon, this recipe checks all the boxes. The balance of sweetness from the strawberries and tartness from lemons creates a refreshing profile that’s sure to impress your guests.
“This cake is a showstopper! Fluffy layers and that creamy lemon frosting—absolutely divine!”
How this recipe comes together
Making this Strawberry Lemonade Cake is not only enjoyable, but it’s also straightforward. You’ll start by mixing your dry ingredients before preparing a delicious batter that elegantly combines butter, sugar, and fruity flavors. As you bring it all together, the aromatic scents of lemon and strawberries will fill your kitchen, making it oh-so-hard to wait for the cake to cool! And let’s not forget about that luscious lemon cream cheese frosting that takes this dessert to the next level.
What you’ll need
To whip up this scrumptious cake, gather these essential ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, blended smooth)
- A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional note: Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh strawberries; frozen works just as well when blended into puree.
