There’s something magical about a Strawberry Lemon Cake that can brighten even the gloomiest of days. Imagine biting into a fluffy, moist cake with bursts of tart lemon and sweet strawberries dancing on your tongue. The aromatic blend of citrusy zest and fresh berries creates an experience that is both uplifting and indulgent. Perfect for picnics, birthday parties, or simply treating yourself to a slice of happiness, this cake is a true celebration of flavor.
Now, let me take you on a little journey. Picture it: a sunny afternoon with friends gathered in my kitchen, laughter echoing off the walls. I had just pulled out a Strawberry Lemon Cake from the oven, its golden crust glistening under the kitchen lights. As I cut into the cake, the sweet aroma wafted through the air, and I could see my friends’ eyes widen in anticipation. That moment was electric; it was more than just dessert; it was a connection with everyone there.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Lemon Cake combines ease of preparation with delightful flavors that will wow your guests
- Its vibrant colors are sure to impress anyone at your table
- Enjoy it as a refreshing dessert for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners alike
- The fusion of strawberry sweetness and lemon zest creates an irresistible taste sensation you won’t forget!
I still remember when my friend took her first bite; her eyes sparkled like she had just won the lottery.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it’s the foundation of our cake.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your cake perfectly; granulated sugar ensures even sweetness throughout.
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Baking Powder: This will help your cake rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for maximum fluffiness.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all other flavors; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
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Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter provides creaminess; I recommend using high-fat butter for rich flavor.
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Eggs: They’ll bind everything together; use large eggs for consistency in baking.
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Whole Milk: Adds moisture that keeps our cake soft; use whole milk for extra richness.
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Lemon Zest and Juice: Freshly grated zest and juice bring zingy brightness; they’re essential for the signature flavor!
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Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for natural sweetness; chop them up to incorporate into the batter.
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Powdered Sugar: For making the frosting smooth and sweet; sift it before use to avoid lumps.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and warmth to your cake’s flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Create Your Batter Base
In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract to infuse flavor into your batter.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with whole milk until smooth.
Add Strawberries
Gently fold in chopped fresh strawberries using a spatula, ensuring they distribute evenly without overmixing—this helps maintain that airy texture we love!
Bake It Up!
Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Frosting Fun
While cakes cool completely, whip up some frosting! Beat together softened butter and powdered sugar with lemon juice until creamy. Spread on one layer of cake, stack the second layer on top, then frost generously all around.
Get ready to enjoy each bite of this delightful Strawberry Lemon Cake! It’s perfect served chilled or at room temperature for any occasion—enjoy every scrumptious slice!
You Must Know
- Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors
- This cake brings sunshine to your table, with its moist texture and vibrant colors
- Perfect for any celebration or just because you want a slice of happiness
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dry ingredients separately, then cream the butter and sugar together before adding eggs. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and a fluffy cake.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley. Adding lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor even more!
Storing & Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave will restore its softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen ones can make the cake soggy
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch without being too sweet
Sometimes I make this cake for my neighbors, and their smiles are worth every minute spent baking! They always ask for seconds and share their favorites stories over a slice.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Lemon Cake?
Using fresh strawberries is recommended, but frozen can work if thawed properly.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if the cake is ready.
What frosting pairs best with this cake?
A light lemon cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the tangy sweetness of Strawberry Lemon Cake.
Strawberry Lemon Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Lemon Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the zesty brightness of fresh lemons. This moist, fluffy cake is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to cozy family dinners. Each bite offers a refreshing burst of flavor, making it an unforgettable treat that brings joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients alternating with milk.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping in blueberries or raspberries. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.



