This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is the perfect summer dessert—light, refreshing, and full of bright citrus flavor. Soft lemon cake layers are paired with sweet strawberry buttercream and fresh sliced strawberries for a beautiful balance of tart and sweet.
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Cook Time
- 30 minutes
Ingredients
Lemon Cake
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 8–10 large strawberries, hulled and sliced
Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 2–4 large strawberries, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly spray two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Slowly pour in the lemon juice. (The batter may look slightly curdled—this is normal.)
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow cakes to cool completely before removing from pans.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Buttercream
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add milk and chopped strawberries, then beat on high speed until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pink with strawberry pieces throughout.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top and add sliced strawberries.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to help the frosting set. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy this fresh, fruity Strawberry Lemonade Cake—perfect for warm days and special occasions!
