Description
Life is often filled with moments that deserve a special touch, and nothing says celebration quite like a homemade dessert. Enter the Delightful Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake with Zest, a charming treat that captures the essence of warmth, joy, and togetherness. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a summer picnic, or simply want to brighten up an ordinary day, this cake has a way of making every occasion feel extraordinary. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to inspire smiles and create lasting memories around your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step sets the stage for baking your cake evenly. An oven at the right temperature ensures that your cake will rise beautifully and develop that perfect golden color. While the oven heats, you can enjoy a moment of anticipation—imagine how delightful the aroma will be once the cake starts baking!
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Applying a thin layer of grease and flour prevents the cake from sticking. This is a crucial step that no one should skip! Make sure to coat every inch, including the sides. The anticipation builds as you know these little cakes are soon to be transformed.
In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is light in color and has a lovely, airy texture. This is the moment when sweetness and richness start to unite—such a wonderful prelude to your cake!
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add vanilla extract. This will help to enhance the flavors of the Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake. As you mix, you’ll notice the batter becoming even more luscious and fragrant—it’s a sensory delight!
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture is essential for structure, ensuring that your cakes rise perfectly. The blending of dry ingredients helps to air it out, producing a lighter cake. Trust the process as everything starts to come together beautifully.
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. This alternating method keeps the batter smooth and consistent. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and that’s not what you want! Enjoy the captivating blend of flour and creamy goodness.
Now, fold in fresh lemon zest! This step adds an incredible burst of citrus flavor to your cake, making the Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake refreshing and vibrant. Feel free to add a little extra zest if you love that lemony kick!
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You can tell they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible—a wonderful teaser of the masterpiece to come!
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently run a knife around the edges and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; allowing them to cool ensures that your layers hold up beautifully when you assemble the Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake.
While the cakes cool, prepare a delightful strawberry filling. Slice fresh strawberries and mix them with sugar to help extract their juices. Waiting for this mixture to macerate is a treat itself; you’ll be rewarded with a sweet and syrupy goodness that pairs beautifully with the lemon layers.
Create a creamy frosting using butter, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Whip it until it’s fluffy and smooth—this frosting will bind all the layers and add an indulgent touch to the Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake. The tanginess of the lemon in the frosting balances out the sweetness perfectly.
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your cake! Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with strawberry filling and a layer of frosting. Top it with the second cake layer and repeat, finishing with frosting on top and around the sides. Your heart may race a little as you see the layers come together beautifully!
Notes
Tip 1: Fresh Ingredients are Key
Using fresh strawberries and real lemon juice will significantly elevate the flavor of your Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake. Fresh ingredients are more aromatic and flavorful than their packaged counterparts.
Tip 2: Keep Your Cake Layers Even
To ensure even cake layers, try using a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This small step can make a big difference in aesthetics and baking success.
Tip 3: Chill the Cake
Chilling the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes will help set the frosting and make cutting perfect slices easier. Plus, it gives those lovely layers a chance to marry together!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes