Go Back

Irresistible Strawberry Lemon Cake

This cake marries the classic flavors of summer with fresh strawberries and zesty lemon. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for any gathering or as a midweek treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Sifted for best results
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Let it sit out to soften
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk See note for substitution
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced Use fresh strawberries for best flavor
  • Zest of 1 lemon
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Let it sit out to soften
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Sifted for smooth frosting
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • A handful of fresh strawberries for garnish Optional, for decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-heated oven is key to fluffy cake layers.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Beat in the eggs, then add the buttermilk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  2. Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
  1. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, then mix in the heavy cream and lemon juice until smooth.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting generously over the top.
  2. Add fresh strawberries on top for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Use fresh strawberries and good-quality butter for the best flavor. You can add a splash of vanilla extract to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.