Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe: A Refreshing Twist for Every Occasion

Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe is a refreshing twist on your classic lemon cake, combining the light, fluffy texture of a traditional lemon cake with the sweet burst of strawberries. 

This cake is one of those recipes that’s simple enough to make on a lazy weekend but elegant enough for a special celebration. 

I’ve personally tested it with both cream cheese frosting and a dollop of whipped cream, and both are delicious! 

If you’re a fan of lemon cake with strawberries and whipped cream, you’re going to love this one. It’s hands down the best strawberry lemon cake recipe I’ve come across.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe

• Fresh, Vibrant Flavors

The sweet, succulent strawberries and tart lemon pair to make a deliciously balanced taste. The fresh lemon adds some tartness, while the strawberries bring in sweetness, leaving the bites zippy and flavorful. It’s the perfect cake to add a little sunshine to your day!

• Quick and Easy to Make

There’s also no need for fancy tricks or preparation; this strawberry lemon cake is straightforward to make, both in terms of ingredients and equipment. This delicious cake is made with simple ingredients and easy steps, and you’ll have it ready anytime. It’s great for beginners or those who want a no-fuss baking experience.

• Perfectly Moist and Fluffy

One of the things I love most about this cake is how light and moist it is. Because this cake includes yogurt, butter , and fresh strawberries, it manages to remain gloriously soft and light. 

It’s the type of cake that your teeth sink into, and you can never get enough of.

• Impressive Yet Simple

Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe is tastes as good as it looks! With plump strawberries and abundant lemon zest, it’s a handsome dessert that will earn oohs and aahs at any gathering. 

Whether you’re serving it at a birthday bash, holiday spread, or simply as a special snack or meal for one, it’s sure to get people talking.

• Versatile for Any Occasion

It’s the kind of cake you can eat plain with a dollop of whipped cream or frost with cream cheese icing — that’s, if you’re one of those people who likes red velvet cake but dislike the cream cheese icing. 

You can prepare it for anything from a casual family meal to a special celebration, and it will still surprise everyone with its bright, summery flavor and texture.

How To Prepare Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 servings

Calories per Serving: 250-300

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter unsalted softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Filling

• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, fresh and chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus more for rolling cookies
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Lemon Frosting

• 1/2 c unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• (optional, for consistency) 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling

• In a saucepan, mix the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Cook, stirring, until strawberries become mushy and the mixture thickens 8 or so minutes.
• Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

• Turn the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
• Cream butter and sugar, add the eggs, and beat well.
• Beat in eggs, one at a time.
• Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.
• In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
• Mix in dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

• Pour half of the batter into the pan.
• Dollop in half of the strawberry filling and swirl gently with a knife.
• Swirl with remaining batter and filling.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean.
• Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Frosting

• Beat butter until creamy.
• Beat in powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon rind until blended.
• If a easy spreadable consistency isn’t reached add more milk.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

• Frost the top of the cooled cake with the lemon frosting.

• Top with additional strawberries, lemon zest, or a touch of strawberry jam to give the cake a traditional strawberry pound cake appearance.

My Secret Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemon Cake

• No fresh strawberries? Use strawberry jam or frozen berries (thawed and drained).
• Want it extra lemony? Add a spoonful of lemon curd between layers or swirl it into the batter for a lemon poke cake twist.
• Make ahead: Bake the cake a day early and frost before serving.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even better!

Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas

• Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two pans for a classic birthday cake.
• Lemon Bundt Cake: Bake in a bundt pan—just grease well and dust with powdered sugar.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap lemon frosting for cream cheese frosting for a strawberry lemon cake with cream cheese frosting.
• With Whipped Cream: Serve slices with whipped cream and extra strawberries for a light finish.
• Decorating: Top with pink lemonade glaze, fresh berries, or lemon slices for easy cake decorating.

Storage Information for Strawberry Lemon Cake

• Refrigeration

You can also keep the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This is even more crucial if your cake is frosted with cream cheese frosting, whipped topping, or fresh strawberries, all of which will spoil.

Cake will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for 15–30 minutes; upon serving, it will allow the icing to soften and the texture of the cake to become more moist.

• Room Temperature

However, if your cake is not filled or frosted with perishable ingredients (such as cream cheese or whipped cream), you are safe to store it at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2-3 days. 

Cakes with fresh fruit or cream-based icing should be refrigerated.

• Freezing

For the freezer, wrap individual cake slices or unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake will be OK to freeze in the freezer for a month or two to three months. 

Defrost the slices at room temperature when ready to serve. If you intend to freeze the entire cake, it’s better to freeze it without the addition of glaze or fresh fruit toppings.

Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Before you begin to mix, pull your eggs, butter, milk and any other refrigerated ingredients out on the counter to warm to room temperature. This makes sure the batter comes together nice and smooth and your cake has a uniform crumb and is not dense and heavy.

2. Measure Your Flour Correctly

To prevent a cake from being heavy or dry, spoon flour into measuring cup, then level it with a knife, instead of dipping the cup directly into the bag. The cake could end up too heavy if there’s too much flour.

3. Choose Ripe, Juicy Strawberries

Choose deeply red and fragrant strawberries for the best flavor and color in your cake. If using frozen strawberries, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain them well, so that you don’t add too much moisture to the batter.

4. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix the batter until the ingredients are just barely incorporated together. Mixing too much creates gluten development in the flour, which could result in a cake that is tough and rubbery rather than soft and tender.

5. Test for Doneness Carefully

Test the cake with a toothpick or cake tester in the center to make sure it’s done. (It should emerge clean or with a few moist crumbs.) If you overbake, the cake will be dry, so start checking a few minutes before the reading on the clock reaches the suggested baking time.

Everything you ever need to know for how to make a moist, soft homemade strawberry lemon cake — and not just that, but this recipe also gives you a moist, soft and rich lemon cake!

Video Tutorial

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe is a cake that makes you feel that every bite is a celebration. I just think fresh strawberries and lemon are like a match made in heaven and this shortcake is great for a special occasion, or just for a casual get together.

If you want the best strawberry lemon cake recipe, look no more! Strawberry Lemon Cake Recipe is easy, flavorful, and can be topped with cream cheese frosting or a easy dollop of whipped cream. Try it and I know it will be your new favorite cake!