Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and tart with Irresistible Succulent Strawberry Lemon Cake! This moist, fluffy cake combines fresh strawberries with zesty lemon, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with a creamy frosting, it’s a refreshing and decadent treat! 🍓🍋🍰✨
Ingredients
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Lemon juice
- Strawberries
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
Instructions
Start by greasing three 8-inch round cake pans. Use butter or non-stick spray to ensure that your cake layers slide out effortlessly after baking. Then, line the bottoms with parchment paper to guarantee a smooth release. Every detail counts in ensuring your cake maintains its beautiful shape!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step is crucial; it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to an evenly risen cake. Feel the light texture as the flour combines with the other elements!
In your mixer bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The creaming process incorporates air into the batter, which will help your layers rise beautifully. Enjoy the sweet aroma wafting in the air as the sugar dissolves.
One by one, add eggs to the creamy mixture, mixing well after each addition. This step brings richness to your batter. Follow up with the freshly grated lemon zest and a splash of vanilla extract. The zesty fragrance will elevate your spirits and make your kitchen feel like a bakery!
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar. Alternate this with adding buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined, making sure not to overmix. The dough should have a lovely consistency, ready to rise in the oven without being overly dense.
Divide your batter evenly among the prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and let them bake until they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Keep an eye on them closely. The anticipation builds as you see the layers rise!
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; cooling properly ensures the cakes hold their shape while you adorn them.
While the cakes cool, it’s time to focus on the filling. In a bowl, combine fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for a bit to create a sweet, syrupy mixture that will enhance each bite of your layered creation!
In a separate mixing bowl, prepare your frosting by beating together butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Beat until you achieve a fluffy, spreadable texture. This frosting will bring the entire cake together with its creamy, tart sweetness.
Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s assembly time. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting followed by a spoonful of the strawberry filling. Repeat with the second layer. Top it all off with the third cake layer and cover the entire masterpiece with the lemon frosting.
Decorate the top with any remaining strawberries, perhaps a sprinkle of zest for a pop of color. Allow your creation to chill slightly before serving. There’s nothing quite like the moment when you cut into your beautifully layered cake, revealing the vibrant strawberries peeking through!
Notes
Silicone or Metal Pans
Both types can be effective, but silicone pans give a more effortless release, while metal pans create perfectly golden edges. Choose the one that suits your baking style best!
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will blend even further, creating a delightful treat for the following days.
Adjusting Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the sugar levels in the strawberry filling based on your preference. More sugar will create a richer syrup, while less will highlight the fresh taste of the strawberries!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes