Strawberry Lemonade Cake

If you love the sweet tang of strawberries paired with the zesty brightness of lemon, then this Strawberry Lemonade Cake will steal your heart! Bursting with fresh flavors and topped with the creamiest frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, special gatherings, or just a summer afternoon treat. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the season’s freshest strawberries while satisfying your lemon cravings all at once. The smell when it’s baking? Simply divine!

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Incredibly Fresh Flavor: The sweet strawberries combined with the tangy lemon zest make for a bright, refreshing cake that’s anything but ordinary.

Easy to Make: We’re using a box of lemon cake mix as the base, so you’ll have all the gourmet flavors without the extra hassle.

Cream Cheese Frosting Heaven: The smooth, creamy texture of the cream cheese frosting, combined with a zing of lemon juice, takes this cake to the next level.

Visual Appeal: The beautiful slices of strawberries on top make it a showstopper for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box of lemon cake mix (plus ingredients per package instructions)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cake

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• Prepare the lemon cake mix according to package instructions.
• Fold in the chopped strawberries and lemon zest for that extra burst of fruity freshness!

2. Bake:

• Divide the batter between the prepared pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting (trust me, you don’t want to rush this part).

3. Make the Frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat until light, fluffy, and irresistible!

Tip: Be sure to taste test the frosting. You know, for quality control!

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
• Place the second layer on top, and then frost the entire cake, sides and all, with the remaining frosting.

5. Garnish & Serve:

• Decorate with fresh strawberry slices for a pretty pop of color and extra fruity flavor.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving—this will help the flavors meld and make slicing easier!

What to Serve with Strawberry Lemonade Cake

This cake pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a fancy twist, drizzle some homemade strawberry sauce over each slice when serving. You’ll thank me later!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Cake

• Use Fresh Lemons: The zest and juice of fresh lemons give this cake its signature zing. Don’t skip them!
• Cool Completely: Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting, or your frosting will melt right off.
• Strawberry Sauce Drizzle: For an extra punch of strawberry flavor, drizzle some strawberry sauce over the top before serving.

Storage Instructions

If by some miracle you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld!

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before folding them into the batter to avoid excess moisture.

What if I Don’t Have Lemon Zest?

You can substitute lemon extract (about ½ teaspoon) for lemon zest, though the fresh zest really brightens the cake!

Can I Make This Cake Ahead?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead and freeze them for up to 1 month. Frost them after thawing.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Lemonade Cake is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy! Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering, or just because you’re craving something bright and delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it—please leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 22g
• Carbs: 58g
• Protein: 4g

Looking for more fruity dessert inspiration? Try these recipes:

• Heavenly Summer Peach Cobbler Poke Cake
• Triple Chocolate Raspberry Drip Cake
• Blueberry Lime Swirl Cheesecake

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